Wrong.

Styrofoam is a trademarked brand of polystyrene foam. It is used as packing material, insulation and similar uses. It is extruded polystyrene foam.

Coffee cups, take-out containers and egg cartons that appear to be Styrofoam are somewhat similar, but they are made of expanded polystyrene foam. They feel a little different, are more easily crushed and don't carry the Styrofoam brand name.

Neither of them, however, can be recycled. Don't be fooled by the little triangle with the number in the middle. That tells what kind of plastic it is, not that it is recyclable. Perhaps somewhere in the United States it can be, but not here. Throw them away.

Bubble wrap is another item that you just can't recycle. You can entertain yourself popping the bubbles, but then you'll have to throw it out. Envelopes lined with bubble wrap are not recyclable either.

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Johanna Eubank is an online content producer for the Arizona Daily Star and tucson.com. Contact her at jeubank@tucson.com

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