Can Polystyrene Be Recycled?
Recycling plays a vital role in protecting the environment. It helps prevent harmful chemicals and greenhouse gases from being released into the atmosphere through waste pollution. It reduces the amount of unnecessary damage caused to wildlife around the world, particularly ocean wildlife. Recycling also promotes more efficient production of materials, leading to less energy and material waste.
While expanded polystyrene (EPS) is not one of the most harmful pollutants in the world, it does contribute to global emissions. One of the major issues with polystyrene is that it doesn’t degrade over time. Although this can be useful in terms of practicality, it’s vital to dispose of polystyrene correctly.
Fortunately, due to the make-up of the material, polystyrene can generally be reused and recycled. It is made up of 98% air and doesn’t create waste during its production. Leftover materials can be recycled or reused later in the production process.
How Polystyrene Recycling Works
EPS has a lot of useful qualities, including environmentally positive ones. However, some of its benefits work against it when it comes to recycling. Although it’s light, polystyrene is bulky, making it difficult to collect and transport. It frequently blows away from outdoor containers.
Many packaging materials such as coffee cups, water containers, and other food packing material are made from polystyrene. It is often mixed with other types of plastic and materials, making waste polystyrene difficult to gather. What’s more, recycled EPS can’t be used for food packaging, meaning there is a constant need for new polystyrene to be produced.
It’s relatively uncommon for local recycling companies to accept polystyrene meaning it often ends up in people’s general waste bins. In most cases, it must be recycled at a large plant.
Here is a list of the types of EPS which can usually be recycled:
- Building insulation (floor, wall, and flat roof).
- Certain types of fill material.
- Moulded packaging.
- Fish box packaging.
- Disposable razors.
- Packaging balls.
- Car seating and vehicle insulation.
Because of its durability, EPS can be used to fill space in oversized plant pots.
Advantages Of Recycling Your Polystyrene
- Polystyrene can be recycled as many as twenty times without harming its physical properties. It retains strength, durability and structural qualities.
- By reusing and recycling polystyrene, you are reducing the amount of litter in the environment as well as the amount of waste being stored in landfills.
- Polystyrene is a byproduct of petroleum. Recycling lowers your carbon footprint and makes the most out of limited resources.
- As a durable and clunky material, recycling polystyrene reduces the amount of space that it occupies.
How Plastic Expert Can Help
Plastic Expert can help by offering a comprehensive and cost-effective sustainable recycling service. As well as facilitating polystyrene disposal for various clients, we work alongside management companies to help businesses develop sustainable plastic waste systems.
Plastic Expert purchase EPS materials year-round, making your polystyrene disposal regimen straightforward and convenient.
The vast majority of our polystyrene is transported to Europe for sustainable disposal or recycling. The material is generally reused to create items that go back into the marketplace.
