Disposing of and recycling polystyrene foam: which bin does it go in?
Short answer: in most places, polystyrene foam does not belong in the household plastic packaging collection. Large pieces of clean polystyrene foam go to your local recycling centre. Small, dirty pieces go in the general waste bin. In the end, the rules published by your own local authority decide which route applies to you.
Polystyrene foam is the everyday name for EPS (expanded polystyrene). The material is made up of about 98% air and is a mono-material. When it is clean and dry, it recycles well. In this article you will read how to dispose of used EPS boxes and other packaging foam, and when reuse is the better choice.
Disposing of polystyrene foam: the rules in brief
| What do you have? | Where does it go? | Please note |
|---|---|---|
| Large pieces of clean polystyrene foam (packaging inserts, boxes) | Local recycling centre | Hand it in clean and without tape |
| Small pieces of polystyrene foam | General waste | Not in the plastic packaging recycling |
| Dirty polystyrene foam (food residue, paint, mortar, glue) | General waste | Contamination disrupts recycling |
| Polystyrene foam insulation material | Recycling centre or waste contractor | Ask about the conditions in advance |
This is the usual practice. Local authorities can differ, so always check the waste guidance of your own area.
Can polystyrene foam go in the plastic recycling bin?
In most collection schemes, no. Even though polystyrene is a plastic, many councils and sorting plants do not accept it with household plastic packaging. The reason they give is that foam crumbles, floats and disturbs the sorting and recycling of the other packaging. A batch of mixed plastic with too much polystyrene foam in it can even be rejected.
If you are unsure, look at the guidance on your local authority website. That is the rule that counts.
Recycling centre or general waste?
- Large pieces of clean polystyrene foam. Think of the moulded parts from the packaging of a television or a washing machine. Take these to the recycling centre, clean and without tape. They are collected separately there for recycling.
- Small pieces. A handful of polystyrene foam that fits into the general waste bag may go in the general waste.
- Dirty polystyrene foam. Meat trays and other packaging with food residue belong in the general waste.
Some recycling centres charge a fee or set a maximum quantity per visit. Check the website of your recycling centre before you go.
Polystyrene foam insulation
Polystyrene foam boards from building work are not packaging waste. Take them to a recycling centre, or have a waste contractor collect them if you are dealing with larger quantities. Do not mix them with rubble. Older insulation may be subject to extra conditions, so ask in advance what the recycling centre accepts. This is general guidance and not legal advice.
Clean and empty: how to prepare polystyrene foam
- Empty the box. Remove the contents, gel packs and any paperwork.
- Remove tape and labels. The tape goes in the general waste, and the polystyrene foam goes to recycling.
- Wipe off coarse residue. A box that has held food is usually only lightly soiled. A damp cloth is enough.
- Let the box dry. Wet parts are harder to process.
- Do not break polystyrene foam up unnecessarily. Otherwise the small beads spread easily into the environment.
What happens to collected polystyrene foam?
Collected EPS is crushed and compressed into bales or blocks. This saves transport volume, because polystyrene foam consists largely of air. Recyclers turn it into raw material for new plastic and insulation products, among other things. A clean box without tape is far easier to process than a dirty piece.
Differences between local authorities
Waste collection is organised locally, and the rules are not the same everywhere. Differences mainly lie in:
- the quantity you may bring to the recycling centre,
- any charges for larger quantities,
- how small pieces and dirty polystyrene foam are handled.
Look at the waste guide or waste app of your local authority. If in doubt, the information from your local authority applies, not that of a general article, and that includes this one.
Reusing is even better
Before a box is thrown away, a second look is worthwhile. Polystyrene foam boxes are sturdy and insulate well. You can use them several times:
- as a cool box for a day out or a picnic,
- as a storage box in the shed or garage,
- for your own shipments, for example when shipping chilled goods.
Only reuse a box that has come into contact with food if it is clean, dry and undamaged. Otherwise, it is better to choose a new one. If you ship regularly, you will find suitable sizes under EPS boxes. For help choosing a size, read choosing the right box size.
Sustainable alternatives to polystyrene foam
- Reusable with EPP. EPP boxes are made for repeated use and are suitable for return flows.
- Foldable thermal boxes. Foldable thermal boxes take up far less space in storage and on the return trip.
- Honeycomb. Honeycomb cooling boxes go in with the waste paper.
Which material suits which job is explained in EPS or EPP: which box to choose and is EPS bad for the environment?
Frequently asked questions about disposing of polystyrene foam
Which bin does polystyrene foam go in?
Not in the plastic packaging recycling and not with the waste paper. Small pieces and dirty polystyrene foam go in the general waste, and large clean pieces go to the recycling centre.
Can polystyrene foam go with the plastic waste?
Generally not. Most collection schemes do not accept polystyrene foam with household plastic packaging, because it disturbs the recycling of the other packaging.
Do recycling centres accept polystyrene foam?
Many recycling centres accept clean polystyrene foam separately. Check the conditions and any charges of your own recycling centre beforehand.
May I burn polystyrene foam?
No. Polystyrene foam is flammable, and waste does not belong in a stove, open fire or garden burner. Hand it in at the recycling centre or put it in the general waste.
Can polystyrene foam go in the microwave?
No. Polystyrene foam trays and boxes are not suitable for the microwave. Heat food in microwave-safe crockery.
Where do I take polystyrene foam insulation from a renovation?
Not in the plastic packaging recycling. Insulation boards are construction waste. Take small quantities to the recycling centre, and for larger quantities or older insulation, contact a waste contractor.
Need a new box? Choose the right size
Do you need new boxes for your shipments? In our range you will find EPS boxes in many sizes, from our own production since 1972. If you want a box that lasts for years, take a look at the EPP boxes.
