Is Polystyrene Recyclable? What Your Business Should Do With It

Despite drives to reduce the amount of plastic we all use; it remains an essential product to many organisations. Therefore, where we can’t reduce or use alternatives to plastic, it’s imperative that we treat it responsibly – which includes how it is disposed of.

One of the major plastics organisations have come to rely on each day is polystyrene. Globally, a mammoth 15.6 million tonnes of polystyrene is produced a year. However, the Alliance for Foam Packaging Recycling reports a recycling rate of just 12%.

The environmental impact of polystyrene is significant, with researchers claiming that polystyrene accounts for as much as 30% of total landfill volume and 20% as litter which can end up in our waterways. Unfortunately, polystyrene has a long-lasting impact on our planet as it takes more than 500 years to break down. Polystyrene is not commonly recycled due to a lack of investment in compactors and related equipment, leading to it often being placed in the waste bin or burnt to create energy rather than sent to landfill.

That means, every piece of polystyrene which has ever been produced and subsequently thrown away still exists. And while polystyrene itself is non-toxic, there are concerns it can leach harmful chemicals in landfill, polluting the environment.

If this has inspired you to stop disposing of polystyrene in landfill, we commend you. It’s time all businesses acknowledge the environmental effect of polystyrene and take positive action… But what should you do with polystyrene?
Read on for phs Wastekit’s guide to polystyrene.

Is polystyrene recyclable?

It is a common misconception that polystyrene is a form of plastic that cannot be recycled. Let’s end that myth now… In answer to the question of ‘is polystyrene recyclable?’, the answer is – Yes! Polystyrene can and should be recycled. Expanded polystyrene, known for its air-filled structure, is highly effective as an insulator and can be recycled through a process that involves its manufacturing and reprocessing.

Polystyrene is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of waste management that businesses can significantly contribute to. Understanding the process of how to recycle polystyrene and the challenges involved can empower businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.

How to recycle waste polystyrene – a guide to the waste process of polystyrene

Polystyrene recycling starts with collection. Businesses need to segregate polystyrene from the general waste bin. This can be done by setting up designated collection bins specifically for polystyrene products such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) used in takeaway food containers, packaging for white goods, and insulation products for the construction industry. Once collected, the polystyrene is transported.

At the recycling facility, it is sorted and cleaned to remove any contaminants such as food residue or other materials. The clean polystyrene is then shredded into small pieces. These pieces are fed into a machine known as a compactor or densifier, which compresses the polystyrene into dense blocks. This step is crucial as it reduces the volume of polystyrene, making it easier and more cost-effective to transport.

The densified polystyrene blocks are then taken to a reprocessing plant, where they are further processed. The blocks are melted down and extruded into small pellets. While the process is relatively straightforward, it requires specialised equipment and handling to make it cost-effective, which can be a challenge for some recycling facilities.

What happens to recycled polystyrene?

Polystyrene recycled by recyclers is sold to re-processors who convert it into polystyrene pallets or granules. The volume of EPS packaging being recycled is significant, and the environmental benefits include its lightweight nature and longer shelf life for perishable goods. It can then be used for a range of new purposes including insulation, packaging, and consumer products.

What are the benefits of recycling polystyrene?

The most admirable benefit is its contribution towards the environment and reducing an organisation’s carbon footprint. Polystyrene packaging can also help reduce food waste by extending the shelf life of perishable items and providing a safe method for transporting temperature-controlled goods and medicines. Recycling allows waste to be reused time and time again, saving on raw materials and production as well as reducing the amount sent to landfill where it will fester for hundreds of years.

As well as contributing towards an organisation’s zero-waste targets, it saves money on landfill disposal costs and potentially generates new income when it is sold on to recyclers. In addition, compacting polystyrene helps to save valuable space as well as being neater and easier to store.

Steps businesses can take to recycle polystyrene:

Educate employees

Raise awareness among employees about the environmental impact of polystyrene and importance of recycling – and encourage them to do their part. Post consumer plastic waste, including polystyrene, needs to be treated and recycled to increase recycling rates and reduce environmental impact. Provide clear instructions for staff on how to rinse and segregate polystyrene from other waste, and where to store it.

Set up collection points

Establish dedicated bins for polystyrene in areas where it is commonly disposed of, such as cafeterias and packaging stations. It is crucial to collect and recycle poly boxes, as they are 100% recyclable and can be reused in manufacturing new poly boxes or other plastic products through processes like granulation.

Partner with recycling companies

Work with local recycling companies that specialise in polystyrene. Polystyrene foam presents significant challenges due to the lack of infrastructure for recycling it. They can provide the necessary infrastructure for collection, transportation, and recycling.

Invest in a polystyrene baler

For businesses that generate a significant amount of polystyrene, investing in a baler or can reduce the volume of waste and make transportation more efficient. Polystyrene packaging presents unique recycling challenges, as it is not typically recyclable through regular kerbside collections and requires specialized equipment to process. Take a look at balers available through phs Wastekit (see below for more information).

Promote sustainable practices

Encourage suppliers and partners to use recyclable or alternative materials to reduce the overall generation of polystyrene.

Stay informed

Keep up to date with local regulations and advancements in polystyrene recycling technologies to ensure compliance and improve practices.
By understanding the recycling process, acknowledging the challenges, and implementing strategic steps, businesses can play a crucial role in enhancing the rates of recycled polystyrene, contributing to a more sustainable environment.

Can businesses make money from selling polystyrene for recycling?

Some recyclers are willing to pay for polystyrene so that it can be reused. However, recycling polystyrene used in food packaging, such as cups for hot drinks, presents challenges due to its rarity and the expensive process involved.
Therefore, by recycling your polystyrene, businesses are not only doing the right thing for the planet, they can potentially make money too.

The amount of potential revenue businesses can generate from selling polystyrene for varies but businesses can make as much as £500 per tonne. Variable factors include the company you are working with, the quantity of polystyrene produced, number of collections and how you have processed your polystyrene waste.

What is a polystyrene baler?

Baling machines are revolutionary when it comes to handling and storing polystyrene. Waste polystyrene is simply placed into the baling machine which compresses the contents into smaller plastic bales, reducing its volume by around 95%. These bales are more stable and denser, making them easier to store and safer to transport. As the baler does the work for you, the requirement for manual labour and the risk of human error during baling is reduced.

Plastic balers can run 24/7 with smaller and larger heavy-duty machines available, able to keep up with operational requirements no matter how demanding the schedule.

Where to get a polystyrene baler?

phs Wastekit offers quality high-grade plastic balers both for sale and for hire across the UK. Our team of experienced experts can advise on the best baler to meet your requirements, whether you handle large amounts of polystyrene or smaller quantities on an ad-hoc basis.

For more information, get in touch today. And don’t forget to ask about phs Wastekit’s free Waste Saving Audit which can identify opportunities for you to cut costs and improve your carbon footprint further including a no-obligation product trial.