Plastic Number Six

Plastic resin code number 6 is Polystyrene.  You may know it better as PS or the name Styrofoam.  It is a polymer made from the monomer styrene.  

Polystyrene was first discovered in 1839 in Berlin by apothecary Eduard Simon.  In 1941 Dow Chemical invented the styrofoam process.  Later, in 1954, expanded polystyrene was developed by the Koppers Company.  Dow Company shipped its first order of foam cups in 1960.

Polystyrene can be smooth or foam-like in texture depending on the manufacturing process and desired application.  Polystyrene is frequently used for "disposable" food containers, packaging materials, packing peanuts, plates, cups, meat trays, egg cartons, cafeteria trays, plastic utensils, coffee cup lids, toys, insulation board, and desk accessories.

Polystyrene is known to leach toxic chemicals, including styrene, especially when heated or exposed to heat.  Insulated styrofoam can release styrene into coffee or tea.  Styrene is suspected to be carcinogenic and can possibly increase thyroid hormone levels.

Polystyrene is extremely difficult to recycle and in its foam or expanded state, it is nearly impossible to recycle.  Most recycling facilities are not able to recycle polystyrene and it is typically not accepted curbside.

Polystyrene is not a good choice for plastic.  Try to avoid this plastic whenever possible and certainly don't eat or drink out of it, especially if it has been exposed to heat.

Polystyrene.