Tired of trying to cram Styrofoam packing blocks into your garbage can after Christmas? They’re now recyclable!

Just toss them in the car and bring them to Federal Way City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S., between Dec. 28, 2009, and Jan.15, 2010.

A collection bin will be set up in the lobby on the first floor which is open 7:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays.

“Even though you can’t yet recycle the Styrofoam blocks curbside, it’s great that we can offer this extra service to residents,” said Jeanette Brizendine, the City’s Recycling Manager.

In fact, the City would like to develop a permanent Styrofoam collection site in South King County. The temporary station at City Hall will help to gauge the size of the permanent location.

Due to quality requirements, only clean Styrofoam blocks can be accepted; this means no peanuts, cups, food trays, foam sheeting, plastic wrap, or other plastics. Packing peanuts may be dropped off for re-use at most local shipping outlets.

The City will recycle the Styrofoam blocks with V&G Styro Recycle. They melt and compress the blocks to a fraction of their original size. This dense material is then sold to manufacturers to make new products.

Large quantities of Styrofoam blocks, or blocks from businesses, should be taken directly to V&G Styro Recycle, 800 SW 43rd St. in Renton (near IKEA). This site operates year-round and does not charge for drop-off of clean Styrofoam. More info at www.styrorecycle.com or 253.838.9555.

Want to know how to recycle other items? Visit: www.your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/wdidw. For more information on Federal Way options, visit www.cityoffederalway.com/recycling.