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February 13, 2026
Kitsap County Public Works has cancelled its annual expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam recycling collection event after being unable to secure a recycling vendor and due to increasing operational challenges associated with hosting the event.
EPS foam, commonly called StyrofoamTM, cannot be recycled in household recycling carts or at Kitsap County waste facilities. In the past, we've offered special collection events to allow residents to recycle this material. However, we can no longer offer foam collection events for the foreseeable future.
Why we're no longer offering the foam recycling event
After months of exploring all available options, we have been unable to secure a recycling vendor to transport and process collected foam. Additionally, foam collection events have become significantly more expensive and complex to operate. Since we began hosting these events in 2017, vendor costs have increased by roughly fifty percent.
To offset event costs in recent years, we’ve held separate collection events for valuable recyclables such as scrap metal and electronics. This month, we added year-round scrap metal recycling to all of our garbage and recycling facilities, so one-day scrap metal collection events are no longer necessary.
EPS is a difficult and costly material to recycle. It is mostly made of air, contains very little plastic by weight, and must be carefully handled to prevent litter and pollution. After collection, foam must be manually fed into specialized equipment to compress it before it can be sold to manufacturers, most of which are located outside Washington. Due to its low recycling value and high processing costs, there are only two vendors in Western Washington that collect and process foam.
Options for recycling your foam
EPS foam is not accepted for recycling in curbside recycling carts or at County waste facilities. Residents should bag foam to prevent litter and place it in the garbage. Small quantities should be disposed of at home; large quantities may be taken to a waste facility as garbage.
Drop-off recycling options are available through private recyclers in Tacoma and Kent, though fees may apply. When possible, combine recycling trips with other errands to reduce your environmental impact.
Putting foam in perspective
While foam feels bulky, it makes up only about 0.7% of landfill waste by weight, according to the latest Statewide Waste Characterization Study from Washington Department of Ecology. By comparison, organics (food and yard waste) accounts for approximately 34% of residential garbage. Because organic waste generates methane when it decomposes in landfills, reducing and composting organic waste delivers a far greater climate benefit than diverting foam.
We’re focusing our efforts on expanding curbside composting access, so all Kitsap residents have the opportunity to compost. We’re also implementing state-required organics management laws. These efforts reduce greenhouse gas emissions, extend landfill capacity, and deliver meaningful environmental benefits for our community.
We recognize the frustration residents feel when recycling options are limited for materials they did not choose to receive. We continue to advocate for upstream solutions, including reductions in foam packaging and increased manufacturer responsibility, also known as extended producer responsibility. At the same time, we prioritize programs that have the greatest environmental impact.
We also recognize that many in the community have held onto their foam since 2025 with the hopes of recycling it locally, and we apologize for the burden this may have caused.
We’ll continue to monitor recycling markets, state regulations, and services offered by private recycling companies. Residents can stay informed about future waste reduction events and programs by signing up for our Recycling & Garbage News newsletter or visiting our events webpage.
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