For World Environment Day, June 5, Mercy Health partnered with Lott Industries to recycle Styrofoam. Globally, more than 5 billion pounds of Styrofoam ends up in landfills and waterways annually, and takes more than 5 centuries to degrade.
Mercy Health has eliminated the use of Styrofoam in several areas and actively works with Lott, which is one of the only locations in Lucas County that recycles styrofoam.
The partnership has led to more than 7 million cubic feet of Styrofoam being recycled in the past two years, through Lott Industries’ recycling machine, which compresses styrofoam into dense bricks of material to be sold to other companies, who use them to make new products.
“In Catholic Healthcare, we are called to environmental stewardship through concrete actions,” Jennifer Discher, vice president of mission at Mercy Health-Toledo. “We are grateful for Lott Industries and this successful partnership that promotes sustainable habits.”
Lott Industries continues to accept white styrofoam packaging and coolers to be recycled and diverted from local landfills. Egg cartons, take-out containers, plates and cups are not accepted.
