Survey shows post-consumer EPS recycling is growing, along with demand for recycled-content EPS
Resource Recycling Systems’ report finds over 168 million pounds of expanded polystyrene was recycled in 2022
More than 168 million pounds of expanded polystyrene (EPS) transport packaging was diverted from landfills in 2022, according to a new recycling survey conducted by Resource Recycling Systems (RRS).
This includes over 61 million pounds of post-consumer EPS packaging, reflecting a 31 percent recycling rate in North America. EPS recycling primarily occurs through business-to-business systems and alternative channels, rather than traditional curbside programs for consumers.
RRS defines post-consumer material as products that are generated by households or by commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities in their role as end-users of a product that can no longer be used for its intended purpose.
"Because EPS recycling primarily occurs behind the scenes with independent contracts to supply recycled content feedstock and overseas sales of EPS recyclate, many people don't realize how much is actually being recycled," says Betsy Bowers, executive director of the EPS Industry Alliance (EPS-IA). "The fact that we're diverting such a significant amount of material from landfills shows the real impact of these channels, which aren't as visible to the public as curbside recycling."
Post-consumer EPS is used in many industries, reducing reliance on new materials
The alternative streams that drive EPS recycling continue to grow, supported by investments in infrastructure and new recycling technologies. The EPS industry has collectively invested $185 million in recycled content resin technologies, which are processes and innovations that incorporate post-consumer recycled EPS foam into new resin formulations and reduce reliance on virgin materials. Approximately 79 million pounds of capacity are currently operational, with an additional 150 million pounds planned.
Recycled EPS material is used in a variety of end markets, including building and construction materials, safety helmets, automotive applications, new packaging, and furniture.
Consumer access to EPS recycling has been expanding through initiatives like the Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC) grants. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of consumers with access to the FRC densifier grant program grew from four million to 12.4 million. During that same period, the amount of foam polystyrene collected for recycling from FRC-supported programs nearly doubled, rising from 841,000 to 1.6 million pounds. Likewise, Foam Cycle, which offers a turnkey EPS recycling system to municipalities, has been adopted in 29 cities, increasing consumer access by another 11.5 million.
As EPS recycling infrastructure continues to develop, EPS-IA encourages consumers and businesses to take advantage of the more than 400 drop-off locations available, which can be found via EPS-IA's North American EPS Recycling Map.
"EPS is being recycled in increasing quantities, and the growth in access and infrastructure points to more progress ahead," says Bowers. "With continued innovation and investment, EPS recycling can significantly contribute to a more sustainable economy. We encourage businesses and communities to tap into these expanding opportunities."
