BARKHAMSTED, Conn — The Municipal Transfer Station in Barkhamsted has a new edition to help recycle trash, specifically Styrofoam. The first “Foamcycle” system in Connecticut has been installed at the Transfer Station, and now, Barkhamsted, New Hartford and Winsted residents can bring bulky, unwanted Styrofoam to get recycled.
“Everyone says why Styrofoam? It’s light and there is no weight but it’s got a lot of volume [in the landfill],” said Winsted Mayor Todd Arceluschi, who is also the administrator of Regional Refuse Disposal District no. 1. “It just goes into the trash, and it takes up room and this (Foamcycle Machine) helps us to fight that.”
The Foamcycle machine condenses the Styrofoam – which is about 98% air -- down to about 2% of what it was. Lou Troiano, the owner of Foamcycle, said he has sold 35 of his patented machines across the country.
“There is a system inside which has a densifying machine, and it allows the air to safely escape, it’s non-toxic," Troiano said. "The [Styrofoam] is extruded and is used to make things like picture frames, surfboards, helmets -- numerous materials.”
The Foamcycle machine costs around $85,000 but Areluschi said the recycled Styrofoam will be sold to outside vendors who make things like recycled picture frames.
Areluschi added, “We’re lightening the carbon footprint, doing what we can to save the planet and environment to make it a better place for future generations.”
Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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