Since its discovery in 1839, the versatile plastic polystyrene has found universal appeal, being transformed into toys, food boxes, packaging materials, insulation and more. With an estimated 15.6 million tons produced every year, what happens at the end of its shelf life? Is polystyrene recyclable?
In this article, we’ll explore how to dispose of polystyrene. First, let’s tackle the central question: Do you know which polystyrene you’re disposing of?
How to Identify Polystyrene
Polystyrene is one of the most widely used plastics. It can be found as solid plastic, rigid foam, or tiny balls. Its ability to be produced in any colour and a variety of forms makes it a commonly used material, and our team receive regular enquiries from customers keen to know how and where their particular polystyrene product can be disposed of.
But before we explore how to dispose of polystyrene, let’s clarify which type you’re about to bin.
General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS)
This type of polystyrene is a thermoplastic polymer, which means it can be softened through heating, moulded into shape and then left to cool and harden.
Its ability to be both transparent and rigid makes it a popular choice for polystyrene packaging for food, cosmetic packaging, medical devices and toys.
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
High-impact polystyrene is a thermoplastic polymer made from a combination of polystyrene and rubber. By including rubber, the result is a tough and impact-resistant plastic.
From polystyrene packaging to car parts, toys and kitchen appliances, HIPS plays a significant role in everyday life.
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)
To create this type of plastic, polystyrene granules are mixed with special additives and foaming agents at a specific temperature and pressure. These are pushed through a specialised shape called a die. This creates a closed pore structure where air is locked and sealed. With its high thermal and moisture resistance, XPS is most commonly used for insulating buildings.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
This type of plastic is created from solid beads of polystyrene, which contain a small amount of expansion gas. These expand when heated and can be moulded to form large foam blocks and customised into shapes.
As EPS is 98% air, it is incredibly light and has low thermal conductivity. But it is also tough, making it a popular choice for packaging. From protecting food to keeping fish products cool and delivering new appliances, polystyrene packaging solutions have been solving delivery problems for years.
Are Polystyrene and Styrofoam the same thing?
Styrofoam is a trademarked brand name for polystyrene foam, XPS. The commercial brand Styrofoam is often used in building and construction. Although it can confuse the polystyrene world, consider it similar to how the brand name Hoover has taken over using the term ‘vacuum cleaner’.
Now that we’re clear on the different types of polystyrene let’s look at disposal methods.
Is Polystyrene Recycled In The UK?
Despite conflicting information on the internet, all types of polystyrene can be recycled in the UK. The latest figures show that over 100 tonnes of EPS are recycled every month. Even CD and DVD cases made from GPPS can be recycled at specialist facilities. However, recycling polystyrene presents unique challenges compared to other recyclable plastics, including its slow biodegradation and limited recycling facilities.
With the rate of landfill tax having risen to £103.70 per tonne on 1 April 2024, it’s not only environmentally friendly to recycle polystyrene but also becoming more profitable. Businesses can make up to £500 per tonne of recycled polystyrene. However, it's important to do your research to find waste management companies that can handle different types of plastic. In the UK, the potential for recycling polystyrene is significant. Yet, it faces hurdles such as its bulkiness, the need to be free from contaminants, and potential high costs associated with the recycling process.
At Waste Mission, we can sort, clean and recycle your polystyrene and guide you to which polystyrene is recyclable in your area. We can manage the whole process from start to finish. Find out more today.
Which Bin Does Polystyrene Go In?
As in most cases, the answer isn’t simple. If you’re searching for the resin identification code on your polystyrene packaging, it should show a number 6, but it’s not a guaranteed ticket to recycling. To learn more about recycling symbols, read our latest blog.
A BBC survey in 2018 found that only 1% of councils in the UK could recycle polystyrene trays. Recycle Now—the Government-funded national recycling campaign for England—allows you to search your location for possible polystyrene recycling facilities and ask where is polystyrene recyclable? But currently, very few places offer this. As a result, although polystyrene is fully recyclable, it is not commonly recycled, and most councils recommend placing it in the general waste bin due to the lack of recycling infrastructure and the challenges associated with recycling polystyrene, meaning, ultimately, it goes to landfills.
Your business can help turn the tide on plastic waste by selling your polystyrene to local facilities that will sort, clean and recycle the plastic.
Choose recycling solutions for your company.
Your polystyrene waste challenge may seem complex, but multiple solutions are available to businesses to ensure your waste is handled.
- Polystyrene baler. To store enough polystyrene to make it worthwhile for recyclers to collect it, consider hiring or purchasing a polystyrene baler. They transform vast quantities of polystyrene into neat bundles, reducing volume by 95%.
- Multi-Chamber Baler. This space-saving solution for larger businesses allows you to store waste cardboard, paper, and plastics in one place.
- Plastic recycling bin. Waste management companies can provide free plastic recycling bins to store waste securely.
Why Do We Need To Dispose Of Polystyrene Responsibly?
In January 2024, the shores of Lake Tahoe in California were dusted with a white layer that looked like snow. As curious locals went to explore, they found thousands of tiny EPS beads covering the sand.
A winter storm had broken up a polystyrene floating dock, releasing pollutants into the water and posing severe threats to the aquatic life and health of the environment.
When polystyrene is not disposed of responsibly, it can cause serious problems. Polystyrene packaging plays a crucial role in reducing food waste by protecting products, extending the shelf life of perishable goods, and ensuring the safe transportation of food, thereby minimising food waste in the food services industry. However, finding inventive ways to reuse waste polystyrene is essential to prevent it from causing environmental harm, given its slow biodegradability and the challenges associated with recycling waste polystyrene on both a local and global scale. Polystyrene can take up to 500 years to break down, and there are concerns that harmful chemicals are leached into the soil and waterways as they decompose in landfills.
The estimated stats surrounding polystyrene are bleak:
- 15.6 million tons of polystyrene are produced every year
- 30% of landfill waste is polystyrene
- 20% of general litter is polystyrene
- And only 12% of polystyrene is recycled
The UK government introduced the Single-Use Plastics Ban in England on 1 October 2023, banning polystyrene containers and cups. However, businesses can continue to use polystyrene drink and food containers to transport unprepared or unprocessed food through the supply chain. For more information, read this page on the GOV.UK website.
Alternative polystyrene packaging solutions
Polystyrene packaging is versatile, lightweight, and tough. Yet, to embrace a more sustainable future, businesses must find alternative polystyrene packaging solutions. The recyclability and reusability of polystyrene in manufacturing new poly boxes using EPS highlight the potential for creating recycled rigid plastic products that contribute positively to the environment. Poly boxes, for instance, offer alternative uses such as reusing, granulation, and recycling back into the production process, underscoring their environmental benefits.
A YouGov survey found that 82% of UK consumers believe businesses are responsible for protecting the environment. As more consumers make purchasing decisions based on a business’s eco-credentials, it is more important than ever for companies to reduce the use of polystyrene products.
Conclusion
Polystyrene is widely used in many industries, including food packaging, and is widely recyclable in the UK. However, only 12% is recycled.
Due to the difficulties in recycling access, most councils still ask for polystyrene to be placed in the general waste bin. This, in turn, is concerning for the environment as polystyrene can take up to 500 years to break down and find its way into our ecosystems.
The good news is that companies can use an experienced waste management company to find recycling solutions. This isn't just good for the environment but also profitable—businesses can make up to £500 per tonne of recycled polystyrene by selling it to the right people.
If you'd like to learn how to handle your polystyrene waste more efficiently in a way that's both good for the environment and for your books, speak to a member of our team today.
Let’s work together to create a future that’s a few shades greener.
