Polystyrene

Polystyrene comes in a variety of forms. Sometimes polystyrene is used to create rigid items such as yoghurt containers, plastic cutlery or imitation glassware. Polystyrene foam, on the other hand (also commonly known as styrofoam or expanded polystyrene), is used in packaging and products such as insulated disposable cups. Polystyrene foam is 95% air and only 5% plastic. As a result, it is quite difficult to recycle.

Will SITA Environmental Solutions accept my polystyrene?

SITA's Resource Recovery Centres will only accept hard or rigid plastics for recycling, such as bottles and containers. These items can be dropped off free of charge.

Polystyrene foam is accepted in mixed waste loads at some of our sites, however, charges apply and loads containing more than 50% polystyrene foam (by volume) cannot be accepted.

What else can I do with my polystyrene?

Most councils accept rigid polystyrene containers in kerbside recycling bins, however polystyrene foam is very rarely accepted. These items should be placed in your general waste bin.

To find out what you can do with polystyrene foam, visit Planet Ark's Recycling Near You website.

Alternatively, our Customer Service team may be able to help you find an organisation which will accept large quantities of polystyrene foam - call 1300 651 116.