Polystyrene Recycling for UK Businesses | Expert Compare

Many UK businesses handle polystyrene daily, especially those in packaging, retail, and food services. While it might be lightweight and practical, disposing of polystyrene responsibly can be confusing. Expert Compare simplifies this process, helping decision-makers understand what’s recyclable, what’s not, and how to manage polystyrene waste correctly.

What is Polystyrene?

Polystyrene is a type of plastic made from the monomer styrene. It comes in solid or foam forms, often used in packaging, disposable containers, or insulation. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) are the most common foam types. EPS is the lightweight, white, foam-like material familiar in takeaway containers and product packaging.

Polystyrene is popular due to its low cost, insulating properties, and durability. These features make it suitable for a wide variety of applications, including food containers, electronics packaging, and thermal insulation in buildings. However, these same properties make it environmentally challenging if not disposed of properly.

Is Polystyrene the Same as Styrofoam?

Styrofoam is a brand name for a specific type of extruded polystyrene. It is typically used in construction and insulation rather than food packaging. Though the names are used interchangeably, not all polystyrene is Styrofoam. Understanding the type of material your business is using helps determine the appropriate disposal route.

Can Polystyrene Be Recycled?

Yes, but with limitations. EPS is recyclable, though not every local authority accepts it in household bins. For businesses, recycling polystyrene often means partnering with a licensed waste carrier that collects and processes this material at specialised facilities.

Around 100 tonnes of EPS are recycled monthly in the UK. However, contamination or mixed waste can prevent effective recycling. Clean, uncontaminated EPS is more likely to be accepted by recyclers and reused in manufacturing. In commercial settings, dedicated recycling routes can significantly improve sustainability.

How is Polystyrene Recycled?

Once collected, polystyrene is cleaned and processed in one of several ways:

Granulation

Polystyrene is shredded into small pieces and mixed with virgin material to produce new EPS. This granulated form can be reused in packaging, insulation, and other products.

Compaction

EPS is compressed into dense blocks, which are then repurposed into insulation or building materials. This method reduces the volume of waste significantly, making it easier to transport and store.

Densification

Heat and pressure turn EPS into solid polystyrene blocks for manufacturing plastic products. These blocks are often used to make garden furniture, decking, and other durable goods.

Each process ensures polystyrene avoids landfill and is transformed into something useful.

How to Dispose of Polystyrene

Proper disposal begins with segregation. Businesses should not mix polystyrene with general waste unless absolutely necessary. Instead, store clean EPS separately using dedicated containers or bins. Expert Compare provides free bins sized to suit your volume and schedule.

Once full, these bins are collected by our network of licensed carriers and taken to a recycling facility. The service is compliant, efficient, and tailored to your specific requirements. Clear labelling and employee awareness can also help ensure EPS is correctly sorted.

What Bin Should Polystyrene Go In?

At home, check with your local authority. In commercial settings, use plastic waste bins if you're sure the EPS is recyclable. If your business generates regular polystyrene waste, a dedicated EPS bin will keep it clean and separate, improving your recycling rates.

Correct bin use helps reduce contamination and improves recycling outcomes. It also ensures your business remains compliant with waste disposal regulations.

Reuse and Repurposing Options for Polystyrene

Before recycling, consider reuse. Clean polystyrene can be repurposed in a number of ways:

Use as Packaging Material

Protect fragile goods during transport by reusing polystyrene in your shipping process. This is especially useful for e-commerce and logistics firms.

Garden Uses

Polystyrene can help improve drainage in plant pots or be used to raise soil levels in large containers. It reduces the weight of pots and provides effective aeration for roots.

Creative Projects

Art departments and craft workshops can use polystyrene for model making, sculpture bases, or kids’ activities. Schools and community groups often appreciate donated materials.

DIY Projects

Use polystyrene as insulation in walls, garages, or sheds to retain heat and cut down energy bills. Builders can also reuse polystyrene offcuts from packaging.

Encouraging staff to reuse clean EPS helps reduce waste and demonstrates sustainable thinking.

Why is Polystyrene Common in Packaging?

Businesses favour EPS because it is lightweight, strong, and insulates against temperature and impact. It protects fragile items during transport and keeps food products warm. However, its durability makes it a long-lasting pollutant if not disposed of correctly.

Its affordability and ease of moulding into various shapes make it a go-to choice for manufacturers and retailers. As businesses move toward greener practices, understanding and managing its disposal is essential.

Is Polystyrene Harmful to the Environment?

Yes, when not managed correctly. It can take hundreds of years to decompose and may release toxins into the soil and water. Wildlife can also mistake small EPS particles for food, leading to contamination and health issues.

EPS is lightweight and wind-blown, often escaping waste systems and littering waterways and green spaces. Proper containment and collection are crucial to prevent environmental damage.

Is Polystyrene Biodegradable?

Technically, yes, but the process is extremely slow. Polystyrene exposed to sunlight and weathering may eventually degrade, but this can take centuries. In most cases, the material ends up in landfill or the environment, where it poses long-term risks.

Alternative biodegradable materials are being explored, but polystyrene remains widely used. Until alternatives are more mainstream, responsible recycling is vital.

How Long Does It Take for Polystyrene to Decompose?

Studies suggest polystyrene may take over 500 years to break down. In landfills or oceans, where conditions are not ideal for degradation, it can persist even longer. This durability, while useful in packaging, is problematic for the planet.

Is Polystyrene Toxic?

Polystyrene itself is considered safe for food contact. However, when heated, it may release small amounts of styrene, which could pose health risks. For this reason, reheating food in polystyrene containers is not recommended.

Proper usage and disposal mitigate most risks. Businesses in the food industry should be cautious and explore alternatives where possible.

Arranging Polystyrene Waste Collection

Expert Compare connects your business with licensed waste carriers who specialise in polystyrene collection. We assess your waste type and volume, provide appropriate bins, and organise collection at a frequency that suits you.

Whether you need a one-off clearance or a regular service, we offer scalable, cost-effective solutions. All collections include Duty of Care documentation to keep your business compliant.

Our network of waste carriers ensures reliable service across the UK. Whether your business operates from a single location or across multiple sites, we provide coordinated collection and recycling services.

Which Businesses Benefit from Polystyrene Collection?

Retail and Distribution

Handle large amounts of packaging from shipped goods. EPS helps protect stock, but requires regular collection to avoid storage issues.

Food and Beverage

Disposal of takeaway containers, cups, and protective insulation. Food businesses need clean disposal to meet hygiene standards.

Construction and Fit-Out

Polystyrene insulation offcuts from building projects. On-site bins help manage waste efficiently and meet construction site compliance.

Manufacturing

Product packaging, appliance protection, or raw material packaging. Tailored services ensure recycling integrates with production schedules.

Healthcare

Medical equipment packaging and shipping materials. Safe and reliable collection is crucial to maintain clinical waste standards.

Any business producing EPS waste can reduce its environmental impact by recycling with Expert Compare.

Request a Polystyrene Recycling Quote

Ready to manage your polystyrene waste the right way? Contact Expert Compare for a free, no-obligation quote. We’ll match you with a service provider who fits your needs, whether you’re disposing of a few containers or managing regular commercial volumes.

Improve your environmental performance, reduce landfill, and stay compliant with tailored polystyrene recycling services. Our advisors are ready to help you design the right waste strategy for your business.

Reach out today to speak to one of our advisors or fill in our quick quote form to get started.