The Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA), a North American coalition advancing scalable solutions to recycle polystyrene (PS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS), disclosed a new collaboration with Foam Cycle and the Nashville Department of Waste Services (NWS), to significantly expand EPS recycling to keep it out of landfills and return it to the circular economy as an essential, reusable material.
PSRA assisted with the donation and installation of Foam Cycle’s patented foam collection and densification system at NWS-operated East Convenience Center in Nashville. Foam Cycle systems – already in use across multiple states – allow municipalities to efficiently collect and process EPS, turning a global waste challenge into a local recycling solution.
“We’re excited to partner with PSRA and Foam Cycle to provide this EPS recycling solution for Nashvillians” said Tracey Thurman, director of the Nashville Department of Waste Services. “This adds yet another material to our recycling program to ensure our residents can support a circular economy while also keeping material out of landfills.”
All formats of EPS will be collected, including transport packaging and clean food service and food packaging, and then densified with Foam Cycle’s patented equipment so that it can be transported efficiently to EFP’s EPS manufacturing facility in La Vergne, Tennessee which will serve as the primary offtake partner for the recycled material.
The program also creates new opportunities to capture EPS generated internally across Metro Nashville departments – from product shipments to staff use – while strengthening public-facing recycling access. In addition, a portable trailer system enables on-demand collection at universities, festivals and seasonal events, ensuring the program can grow and adapt as community participation increases.
Several companies in Tennessee are active members of PSRA, including EFP, LLC, Republic Plastics and Styropek.
This initiative supports Nashville’s mission to manage its waste stream responsibly, foster environmental stewardship and increase landfill diversion. Together, PSRA, NWS, and Foam Cycle are demonstrating how government and industry collaboration and market-based innovation can accelerate a more sustainable future for plastics recycling in North America.
Published May 2026
