All You Need to Know About Recycling Polystyrene
Can You Recycle Polystyrene?
Polystyrene is a lightweight plastic used in everything from packaging and insulation to takeaway containers and craft products. But when it comes to disposal, many businesses are left wondering: can you recycle polystyrene?
The answer: yes … with the right provider. Polystyrene recycling requires specialist handling, and while not all local authorities accept it, Regenthill provides commercial solutions to help businesses dispose of it responsibly.
Understanding Polystyrene vs EPS
It's important to distinguish between:
General polystyrene – e.g. disposable cutlery, CD cases (hard, brittle plastic)
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) – the foam-like material used in packaging and insulation
EPS is more widely recyclable through commercial processors, whereas general-use polystyrene is much harder to recover due to its density and chemical additives.
Why Is Polystyrene Difficult to Recycle?
Not accepted by most kerbside schemes
Easily contaminated
Low value unless clean and compacted
Bulky but lightweight, making transport inefficient
Despite these challenges, Regenthill provides effective strategies for managing this waste stream.
How to Get Rid of Polystyrene
Regenthill helps businesses recycle or dispose of polystyrene through:
On-site assessments – to evaluate volume and type
Scheduled or ad hoc collections – tailored to your output
Compaction support – to make bulk polystyrene easier to transport
Responsible disposal – for non-recyclable forms of polystyrene
Sustainable alternatives – if you're seeking to phase out use
We advise clients on how to reduce reliance on hard-to-recycle packaging and transition to more circular materials where feasible.
Business Types That Benefit
Polystyrene waste is common in:
Warehousing and distribution
Ecommerce and retail
Construction
Food production and packaging
Electronics manufacturing
Our team works with each site to build a process that’s practical, compliant, and sustainable.
Can Polystyrene Go in Recycling?
In short: it depends on the type and condition. Clean EPS is recyclable through a specialist like Regenthill. Contaminated or brittle forms usually require alternative disposal routes.
We’ll help you sort, segregate, and either recover or responsibly dispose of all polystyrene waste streams.
Let’s Recycle Smarter
Polystyrene doesn’t need to go to landfill. Contact Regenthill today to book a collection or learn how we can help you manage polystyrene in a smarter, more sustainable way.