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Question about Polystyrene & recycling
Juggler
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Michigan, United States
Member Since: April 17, 2006
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Posted: Thursday, July 05, 2007 - 08:48 AM UTC
I was wondering if polystyrene has a # like in those triangles you see on plastic containers that is used for recycling purposes? Just looking for a cheap and easy resource for plastic stock.
redshirt
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Posted: Thursday, July 05, 2007 - 09:29 AM UTC
#6

http://www.ides.com/resources/plastic-recycling-codes.asp
Juggler
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Posted: Thursday, July 05, 2007 - 10:16 AM UTC
Thanks redshirt.
I don't recall ever seeing #6 on a container. Got any hints on where they may be had?

Juggler
redshirt
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Posted: Thursday, July 05, 2007 - 11:16 AM UTC
First use :Compact disc jackets, food service applications, grocery store meat trays, egg cartons, aspirin bottles, cups, plates, cutlery.

Recycled use (may be a little more brittle):
Thermometers, light switch plates, thermal insulation, egg cartons, vents, desk trays, rulers, license plate frames, foam packing, foam plates, cups, utensils

Your probably not to interested in the foamed stuff. Not included in this list but very suitable for the purpose is signage such as the promotional signs at some stores – like the old beware of dog signs. I doubt that they will be numbered though.
thanks to Carface Chuck McNeese
https://modelshipwrights.kitmaker.net/forums/14629&page=1

The last piece that I came across was a fresh mushroom tray.
DaveInTheHat
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Posted: Friday, July 06, 2007 - 06:28 AM UTC
The cheapest way I found to get polystyrene is to buy it in 4' x 8' sheets. Some plastic supply places will cut it into more manageable sizes too.
tankmodeler
#417
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Posted: Friday, July 06, 2007 - 09:05 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Just looking for a cheap and easy resource for plastic stock.


Beware using styrene from other sources for building. A lot of the styrene used commercially has specific additives as needed for that commercial use. There are literally thousands of formulations of styrene available depending on what you want to use it for. Pure polystyrene is crystal clear and really brittle (Think aircraft kit canopies). Anything not clear has a witches brew of additives. Double check how glues and paints react to "found" scrap plastic before you build your "life's work" out of it. For example, a lot of stuff that looks & acts like styrene can be ABS and normal styrene cement doesn't work at all on that stuff.

Just a head's up.

Paul
matt
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Posted: Friday, July 06, 2007 - 10:35 AM UTC
I know first hand that the signs they use in Home Depot (the big flip up ones on the racking) is polystyrene. it works great it's about .060" stuff
Augie
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Posted: Friday, July 06, 2007 - 10:52 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I know first hand that the signs they use in Home Depot (the big flip up ones on the racking) is polystyrene. it works great it's about .060" stuff



Hmmm, Home Depot you say......hmmmmmmmmmmm
matt
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Posted: Friday, July 06, 2007 - 09:18 PM UTC
Let's say they were replacing them in Millwork one night... and I talked the ASM into letting me take them after i "destroyed" them by cutting them in 1/2.......... I have more .060" sheet than i could use in well, a LOOOOONG time............
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