Some Common Sense on Polystyrene Recycling

With the ban on disposable plastic bags and straws increasing globally, attention is now focused on another powerful environmental opponent: polystyrene (EPS).

Polystyrene (EPS) is known to have many useful properties. It can be used as an insulator against heat and the cold. It is good at absorbing shocks and protecting delicate items for example your head when used as part of a cycle crash helmet. And it is also be used as take-away food containers, trays, disposable cups and packaging boxes.

Nowadays, the awareness of recycling EPS has increased. The 2016 EPS Recycling Rate Report shows that over 118 million pounds of EPS were recycled, including 63 million pounds of post-consumer packaging and 55.7 million pounds of post-industrial packaging. But, the rate of EPS’s recycling is still low. In the past decade, the average return on earnings per share was only 15%.

Therefore, it’s important for you to know some common sense in order to recycle efficiently before EPS disposal:

Firstly, Most EPS items are identifiable are identifiable on the number “6”.

Secondly, contaminated or dirty EPS products (such as those that have been exposed to food) may be more difficult to recycle. It is best to rinse the food container quickly with clean water.

Thirdly, Different colors of EPS sometimes matter. Some facilities may reject them or ask them to be separated by color.

Fourthly, EPS boxes can be used as flowerpots to plant some flowers and vegetables. It’s very convenient and you can drill small holes under the box to let the water out.

Last but not least, using screw compactor is more quickly when it comes to a great deal of polystyrene. GREENMAX is a specialist in cutting EPS into small pieces and reducing its volume.

Polystyrene recycling is long-term and needs to our joint insist. Always remember the recycling belief and the green living motto at any moment: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. In addition, recycle from small matters at hand and we can do it better step by step.