Abstract: A method for lowering the melt flow rate of flame retardant expanded polystyrene is provided. The method comprises treating the flame retardant expanded polystyrene with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate. In another aspect of the present invention a method for pelletizing recycled flame retardant expanded polystyrene is provided. The method comprises treating ground flame retardant polystyrene in an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate; condensing the treated polystyrene; extruding the polystyrene; and pelletizing the polystyrene. In another aspect of the present invention the electrostatic build-up on polystyrene is reduced by contacting the polystyrene with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate.