If your company sends its waste polystyrene to landfill along with the rest of its waste, you’re missing a huge opportunity.
Used polystyrene is in high demand – so much so that recyclers pay good money for it. Greenbank is helping more and more companies do this, creating an extra revenue stream.
Can you send polystyrene to landfill?
You can send polystyrene to landfill, but it’s not a good idea. If it is sent to landfill, you incur the associated costs. Not to mention it’s not environmentally friendly – it’s a waste of a product that can be recycled and reused.
What should I do with used polystyrene?
Polystyrene can be compacted and sold on to recyclers. If your company regularly deals with polystyrene waste, it can make a lucrative revenue stream.
Organisations in any industry can sell their used polystyrene to recyclers. Small quantities can be uneconomic to recycle, but many companies store compacted polystyrene and have recyclers collect it when there is enough to make it worthwhile.
Recycling polystyrene
The polystyrene recycling process is very easy for companies. First, polystyrene must be compacted. Greenbank offers a range of compactors so whether you need a new one or want to upgrade your current one, we can help.
Compacted polystyrene then needs to be stacked onto pallets ready for the recycler to collect. Recyclers then sell on polystyrene in bulk to re-processors who will turn it into items such as picture frames or skirting boards.
How much money can I get for recycled polystyrene?
The prices vary but in the current market you can get in excess of £200 per tonne. Many companies make their waste into an extra revenue stream. To find out the latest prices and how much you can expect to make, speak to us.
Most of the companies we work with find it takes very little effort to organise relative to the extra revenue they can generate. If your company only produces small amounts of polystyrene, you can come to an agreement with the recycler for them to wait until you have a certain number of pallets before it is collected. This is typically 5 pallets but can vary.
Another options is to invest in our CONNECT Intelligence system – this automatically monitors the amount produced, and alerts the recycler when enough compacted block is ready for collection.
Polystyrene and waste backhaul
Polystyrene takes up a lot of space in site wheelie bins. Instead it can be shredded or compacted, stacked on pallets and returned to your central distribution centre. This will substantially reduce the waste costs at stores and generate a healthy revenue back at the central location.
What about contamination levels?
Dirty polystyrene is fine and can still be recycled. Typical applications include fish box material, and this is certainly no problem for recycling. There are existing recycling routes that pay a healthy return for this product.
Ready to turn your waste polystyrene into cash?
Greenbank can help you start the process of selling your used polystyrene. Speak to us to find out about the process, how much you can expect to earn and the best compactor to use. We can also introduce you to the recyclers who will buy your used polystyrene.
