If you live in the UK or own a business in the country, you may seek guidance on the disposal of waste. This guide, written by the experts at Waste Direct, focuses on polystyrene and recycling.
Since being created for the first time in 1839, polystyrene has become one of the world’s most commonly used materials. Mainly used for packaging and insulation, plastic polystyrene has multiple purposes, and over 15.6 million tonnes of it is produced yearly.
However, many people don’t know how to dispose of polystyrene. For this reason, there can be confusion surrounding polystyrene’s recyclability and how it fits into managing different types of waste. Read on to learn more about polystyrene and where you can dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way across different sectors.
Are you a business seeking assistance with your waste disposal? Contact our team on 020 645 816 for more information about how our waste disposal directory and partners can solve your waste disposal problem in the UK.
Table of contents:
The Different Types of Polystyrene
Where to Recycle Polystyrene in the U.K?
How to Find Polystyrene Recycling Centres in the U.K
Are There Alternatives to Polystyrene?
The Environmental Benefits of Recycling Polystyrene
Why Polystyrene Disposal is a Growing Concern in the U.K
Polystyrene Recycling in the Future
What is Polystyrene?
Polystyrene is an artificial material that existed in the 19th century. After a series of experiments in polymer chemistry, German Apothecary Eduard Simon accidentally discovered the material when he isolated a substance found in natural resin. The material, known as ‘styrol’, polymerised over time into a jelly mass or plastic.
Polystyrene was first produced intentionally and commercially in the 1930s. The German chemical company IG Farben began experimenting with styrene to polymerise it into what we know as polystyrene. By 1941, expanded polystyrene was created using a blowing agent in its development.
After its creation, polystyrene rapidly grew in popularity. Many businesses found that the material was very multifunctional and started to use it to manufacture all sorts of things, including cups. However, the widespread use of polystyrene has contributed significantly to plastic waste, as it is non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle.
The Different Types of Polystyrene
Polystyrene exists in several forms today, from general-purpose polystyrene to extruded polystyrene. Each is created differently and has its own disposal approach.
Below, we have listed the different types of polystyrene in the U.K with additional information.
General Purpose Polystyrene
General-purpose polystyrene is the most common type of polystyrene used today. It is rigid and transparent and has excellent dimensional stability. Due to its structure, it is widely used for food packaging, CD cases, medical devices, medical ware, and other single-use items.
Expanded Polystyrene
Expanded polystyrene is made by expanding beads using steam and a blowing agent. The result is a lightweight, aerated polystyrene with excellent insulation properties and the ability to cushion impact. Expanded polystyrene is the most common type for packaging, though it can be challenging to recycle.
Extruded Polystyrene
Extruded polystyrene is made by melting and extruding polystyrene crystals through a die. This type of polystyrene is favoured for its rigidity and moisture resistance. It is also a good insulation material since it is thermally resistant.
High Impact Polystyrene
Another type of polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene, is explicitly designed to be impact-resistant. It is made by adding rubber to the polystyrene while it is polymerised. The result is a rigid and moldable polystyrene. High-impact polystyrene produces refrigerator liners, toys, and other durable objects.
Can Polystyrene Be Recycled?
Have you ever Googled “Is polystyrene recyclable” and not found a conclusive answer? Due to its complex structure, polystyrene can only sometimes be recycled. Many steps are involved in processing it for recycling. However, many facilities in the U.K recycle it.
Below, we have detailed some of the challenges of recycling polystyrene:
Polystyrene has a low density. Some types are composed of a lot of air, so they are lightweight. The challenge is that to recycle polystyrene, it must be processed in large volumes, which, of course, is only sometimes cost-efficient.
Polystyrene can often be contaminated. It is regularly used to package food, which means it can end up contaminated with food, oil, and liquid. When polystyrene is contaminated, it must be cleaned before being recycled, which adds to its high recycling costs.
Where to Recycle Polystyrene in the U.K?
Recycling polystyrene has limitations due to the reasons outlined in the section above. However, polystyrene recycling facilities are still available in this country.
Waste Direct makes finding a polystyrene waste disposal company in your area simple. To learn more about what we do and how we can assist with your polystyrene disposal needs, contact us at 020 645 816 or explore options using our waste disposal directory tool.
Can You Put Polystyrene in Recycling Bins?
Unfortunately, no. Polystyrene cannot be put into the recycling bins provided by your local council in the UK.
The council will only dispose of polystyrene on your behalf if you put it into your general waste bin. However, we advise against this as not only does polystyrene take up space due to its density, but it is also not environmentally sustainable.
Designated Recycling Centres for Polystyrene
Polystyrene recycling is less widespread than other forms of plastic recycling. However, there are designated recycling and processing centres and facilities.
Such centres are equipped with specialist equipment to process and recycle polystyrene. We always encourage businesses and households to recycle polystyrene wherever possible to avoid ending up in landfills.
Due to the limited number of polystyrene recycling facilities in the UK, finding a centre can take time and effort. The following section includes some helpful information.
How to Find Polystyrene Recycling Centres in the U.K
If you want to find a polystyrene recycling centre, follow the steps below:
1. Contact your local council. They will advise you of the nearest recycling centre for polystyrene. Some U.K council websites offer a tool for entering your postcode to find recycling in your area.
2. Partner with a specialist waste removal service. Many waste removal companies accept and dispose of polystyrene on a customer’s behalf. Waste Direct can help connect you with these services and ensure your polystyrene waste is handled correctly.
3. Find a take-back scheme. Some take-back schemes exist for companies that deal with large quantities of polystyrene and need regular recycling and disposal. You can find collection services designed explicitly for polystyrene through online research and using Waste Direct’s tools.
Are There Alternatives to Polystyrene?
As the U.K becomes increasingly environmentally conscious, businesses seek viable alternatives to polystyrene. Some good alternatives to polystyrene are less environmentally harmful and can be recycled much easier. Below, we have listed some options if you are seeking alternatives to polystyrene:
1. Biodegradable packaging: as popular alternatives to polystyrene, plant-based materials made of cornstarch, for example, are on the rise. These materials are easy to break down and decompose naturally, requiring little to no recycling process.
2. Paper packaging: Paper packaging is always preferred over any type of plastic packaging. Many businesses use cardboard and paper packaging, which are easily recyclable materials.
3. Recycled plastic packaging: Recycled plastic pellets are also a good option for those seeking alternatives to polystyrene.
The Recycling Process for Polystyrene
Once your waste polystyrene arrives at a recycling facility, it must undergo several steps before recycling.
Different processes are involved depending on the types of polystyrene being recycled and the size of the recycling facility.
Polystyrene sorting: The material is sorted and separated from plastic and various types of waste at a polystyrene recycling centre. The facility may also sort the polystyrene depending on how it was processed.
Cleaning of polystyrene: The next step is to clean polystyrene to remove contamination. Depending on how the polystyrene was used, it may be contaminated with oil, dirt, or food. This cleaning step uses water and detergents before the plastic is dried for the next step.
Polystyrene shredding: After being cleaned, the polystyrene is shredded using a machine at the recycling centre.
Melting of polystyrene: once shredded, the polystyrene is melted down using specialist on-site equipment.
Polystyrene reprocessing: Polystyrene can be added to new items after being melted. Depending on the end goal, either a mould or an extruder is used.
Polystyrene conversion: The recycled polystyrene is then converted into a new item. This could be anything from construction materials to foam packaging and toys.
The Environmental Benefits of Recycling Polystyrene
When you choose to recycle polystyrene, the environment benefits in many ways. Though there is still debate about recycling polystyrene due to the costs and labour involved, recycling is always more environmentally friendly than disposing of waste in a landfill.
Here’s how polystyrene recycling benefits the environment:
- Polystyrene recycling reduces the production of new plastics
- Natural resources are preserved when polystyrene is recycled
- The amount of waste sent to landfills in the UK is reduced
Why Polystyrene Disposal is a Growing Concern in the U.K
Due to the awareness around environmental issues, polystyrene disposal continues to be a topic of discussion by the government, businesses, and the public.
Despite some recycling facilities being able to process and recycle the material, there is still a lot of polystyrene in landfills today. It does not decompose for up to 500 years. As a significant packaging material, polystyrene undoubtedly contributes to plastic pollution worldwide.
When polystyrene breaks down into microplastics, it pollutes waterways and can harm the environment, ecosystems, and wildlife in the UK.
Businesses that choose sustainable packaging over polystyrene are paving the way for the future. More consumers are shifting their expectations and choosing businesses that demonstrate their environmental care.
If your business wants to reduce its polystyrene usage or explore recycling options, Waste Direct is here to help. Our expert team can guide you through sustainable waste management solutions tailored to your needs.
Polystyrene Recycling in the Future
In the UK, polystyrene recycling is growing due to technological innovation and better awareness of recycling schemes. More people support recycling in their local areas to tackle waste dumping and unclean streets.
The government has already banned the use of single-use plastics as of 2021. This has been a significant step in improving the disposal of many types of plastics.
The latest advances in polystyrene recycling have made it easier to dispose of polystyrene. Several advances have recently emerged over recent years to help tackle the issue of polystyrene recycling in the UK:
- Depolymerisation technology: as one of the most effective methods for recycling polystyrene, depolymerisation involves breaking down the material into monomer components to be repurposed.
- Mechanical recycling: In certain places in the world, such as Virginia, technology has advanced enough to recycle polystyrene mechanically. The method uses degradation to convert polystyrene into high-tech chemicals. This method has yet to reach the UK but is expected to be available in the near future.
- Chemical recycling: over recent years, there has been a vast improvement in mechanical recycling for polystyrene.
If you’re interested in learning more about the future of recycling in the UK, visit the GOV.UK website.
Will Polystyrene Be Replaced?
Polystyrene remains one of the most common packaging materials, and due to its versatility and applications, it is unlikely to be replaced in the future.
Despite efforts to use more environmentally friendly materials, polystyrene is not yet fully replaceable. Many businesses and individuals still use it daily, especially when transporting highly fragile goods.
