For the past two decades, the expanded polystyrene (EPS) industry has consistently developed better recycling methods and increased waste diversion, despite negative media coverage and legislative ban initiatives that continue to say it’s not recyclable.
Growth in EPS recycling can be attributed to ongoing EPS recycling innovations and a willing effort. For example, San Diego City Council decided against a polystyrene ban and instead incorporated EPS into their existing curbside program; they are now benefiting from polystyrene recycling along with 56 other cities.
According to the 2016 Expanded Polystyrene Recycling Rate Report, the spread of EPS recycling is not limited to cities and municipalities. The report shows that over 118 million pounds of EPS were recycled in 2016, a figure representing 45 companies and independent recyclers. Compared to just four years ago, the amount of EPS recycled has increased by more than 25 million pounds.
In an effort to see EPS recycling continue to grow; Agilyx and FoamCycle are two companies expanding collection access: Agilyx has established the first commercially viable pyrolysis system that chemically recycles polystyrene, opening a new plant in Portland, Oregon earlier this year. FoamCycle, in operation since 2015, created an all-in-one EPS recycling station that can be placed in almost any location.
Published in the January 2018 Edition