Most Councils accept rigid polystyrene containers (for example yoghurt tubs) in kerbside recycling bins, however, polystyrene foam is very rarely accepted for recycling. This indicates that it is a plastic material, first discovered in 1839 by Eduard Simon, a Berlin apothecary. Expanded polystyrene foam generates a significant volume of air, water and solid pollution during the manufacturing process. To assist residents who want to dispose of polystyrene products rather than throw them out with the trash, following are some options: Packing Peanuts. At the moment, polystyrene can not be commonly recycled through kerbside collection – it needs a specific programme to help it be reused (see below). If you receive a package with styrofoam packing peanuts, you can keep them to reuse next time you send someone a package. Here in Wädenswil, you have to dispose of your small bits of polystyrene with other household rubbish in the normal (extra price of course) rubbish sack. Foam products are too light for the sorting machines during the recycling process. During the same period over 900 tonnes of EPS was collected and recycled. Polystyrene is also used to make useful products such as disposable cups, trays, cutlery, cartons, cases etc. You can actually make money from recycling polystyrene! Polystyrene recycling scheme unveiledElaine Edwards Some 200 tonnes of the packaging material polystyrene are to diverted from landfill sites over the next year under a recycling scheme unveiled today. If you can't find a polystyrene foam drop-off center near your house, you could always consider creative new ways to reuse or upcycle styrofoam in order to get more use out of it rather than sending it straight to the trash. You can help the environment by dropping off polystyrene for recycling at locations across Melbourne (see below). Mitre 10. First invented in 1839 by German inventor Eduard Simon as a revolutionary material, polystyrene now … Polystyrene recycling drop off stations are available through many Councils across Sydney and Melbourne at a range of locations. If the waste company says so, you may be able to dispose of it by double-bagging it and putting it with your standard trash. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) was thought to be un-recyclable by most, however this is not the case. It is estimated that 12,000 tonnes of EPS is disposed of to landfill each year, taking up 240,000 cubic metres of landfill space. Builders to contact their supplier. Most can be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin – just make sure they’re dry and free of food and liquids before you put them in. not putting it in a yellow bin bag, not taking it to the tip. They suggest that polystyrene foam food service disposables contribute approximately 0.25 percent by weight of the total waste stream, and that the products of combustion of polystyrene … Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) cannot be collected in your council recycling service. The short answer is yes. They also contain plastic which doesn't break down during composting and will contaminate the finished compost. These properties also allow it to be a preferred packaging material for product protection in shipping. Some estimates suggest it could comprise of as much as 30% of landfill waste. Put foam into a garbage bag to keep it from blowing away during collection. Polystyrene packaging can’t be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin. It can take more than 1,000 years for a single … The balls can be sucked more quickly, and so without the vacuum cleaner, it is very much difficult for the people to clean the balls. For some, waste is likely to be minimal. i.e. Despite the attractiveness of polystyrene, municipalities and organisations are facing a growing problem in disposal of polystyrene packaging and products. Styrofoam monopolizes precious landfill space; plus, scientists believe it can potentially persist in its solid form for thousands of years. Because it is often used for food packaging due its thermal insulation, polystyrene frequently ends up in landfill. When heated, monomer styrene molecules link together into long chains, creating a polymer material that's solid when it cools to room temperature. EPS Polystyrene is a manmade foam that cannot be recycled in the usual manner like many other plastics. The polystyrene recycling identification code is PS. The BPF Expanded Polystyrene Group (www.eps.co.uk) has 29 EPS Recyclers details available on their website, along with 6 EPS Recycling Points across the UK. Polystyrene packing peanuts can be taken to your local Mail Boxes Etc., PostNet or UPS stores, where they will be reused in future packing shipments. from electronic equipment and food trays) cannot be recycled and goes in your red general waste bag or bin.. As Cleanway (Australia’s leading waste management company) states: If the insulation is still usable, you can dispose of it through recycling. Most people don’t want to fill their bins with substances like this, well-aware that they will last for thousands of years before breaking down on a landfill site. Polystyrene packaging How to dispose of polystyrene. This cannot be recycled and should be put in your household refuse bin. It takes up valuable landfill space, too. If the insulation cannot be recycled, you will want to contact the local waste management company. The term polystyrene means that the plastic is derived from styrene, a liquid hydrocarbon. Polystyrene can be recycled into items such as picture frames, plants pots, garden furniture and much more which means that none of the material goes to waste. While Styrofoam, otherwise known as polystyrene, is accepted at a few recycling facilities, for the majority of municipal recycling centers this isn’t the case. Currently, there are very few options for companies or members of the public to dispose of expanded polystyrene We like to do our best for the environment at Vertapak and our commitment to recycling polystyrene packaging ensures that we use our products in the most efficient way. Plastic #6/Styrofoam itself is challenging to recycle, adding to the issue most household Styrofoam is contaminated with food and oils making it unable to be recycled anyways. When buying new items and/or produce make a conscious effort to buy things with as little packaging as possible. How to Get Rid of Styrofoam. Polystyrene can't be added to your household recycling bin, and is a bulky and lingering addition to landfill. Polystyrene can’t be recycled from your kerbside recycling bin, however many councils still make it possible for you to help the environment and recycle polystyrene. Producing polystyrene also uses chemicals which could damage the environment. Collection Points: NORTH ISLAND. Polystyrene itself is a form of plastic, a polymer that can be extruded (think Styrofoam®) or expanded. Common bean bag filling, expanded polystyrene (EPS) can actually be recycled by separately containing the small beans in a clear plastic bag for your recycling bin. Polystyrene is a type 6 plastic and can be rigid or foamed, each with a variety of applications.. Other companies however will have huge quantities to dispose of, some even on a daily basis. Some of these properties are also why it is difficult to dispose of. 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