Can You Recycle Polystyrene?

Can You Recycle Polystyrene?

Last reviewed by Sarah Chen on 01 April 2026

Technically yes, but very few facilities accept polystyrene. Most councils and curbside programs exclude it due to its low market value and high transportation costs.

Polystyrene is a plastic made from styrene, which can be melted down and reshaped into new products. Despite this potential, recycling polystyrene isn't widely available because it's cost-prohibitive for most recyclers.

According to the Consumer Technology Association, The average US household has 21 unused electronic devices.

Why Polystyrene Is Easy to Recycle

The material science behind polystyrene makes it theoretically simple to recycle since it's a thermoplastic that can be melted and reformed. However, the economics of collecting small volumes of lightweight material don't make sense for recycling centres.

Polystyrene is composed primarily of long chains of styrene monomers linked together. This structure allows it to melt when heated and reform into new products without losing quality-making it technically recyclable. Yet, due to its low density, transporting large amounts becomes expensive, deterring many recycling programs.

How to Recycle Polystyrene Properly

Finding a way to recycle polystyrene requires some effort but is possible through dedicated programmes and drop-off locations. One option is the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR), which operates in both the US and UK, offering free mail-back recycling for foam products.

Another viable alternative involves local businesses like EPS Recycling Ltd., a UK-based company that collects polystyrene from various sources and processes it into new materials. Before taking your polystyrene to these facilities, clean any food residue off the packaging to prevent contamination during processing.

Alternatives to Throwing Polystyrene Away

Instead of tossing polystyrene in the trash, consider donating items like foam packing peanuts to shipping stores for reuse. Alternatively, swap out single-use polystyrene containers with eco-friendly alternatives such as paper or reusable glassware when possible.

Another practical option is upcycling-using old polystyrene packaging creatively at home. For instance, you could turn it into planters or use it as insulation material for DIY projects. By reimagining its uses, we can minimise waste and extend the life of this versatile yet problematic plastic.

According to the Counterpoint Research, The global refurbished smartphone market was worth $49.3 billion in 2023.

FAQ

Q: Do curbside programs accept polystyrene? No, most kerbside programmes exclude polystyrene due to transportation costs and low market value. Check with your local council for specific guidelines but generally, curbside collection isn't an option.

Q: What companies recycle polystyrene? Companies like the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR) and EPS Recycling Ltd offer recycling services in multiple countries. These firms provide mail-back programmes or drop-off locations to facilitate polystyrene disposal responsibly.

Q: Is polystyrene biodegradable? No, polystyrene doesn't break down naturally; it can persist in the environment for hundreds of years unless recycled properly. Proper recycling is important to prevent environmental harm.

Sources

• Consumer Technology Association
• Counterpoint Research
• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024