Polystyrene
Polystyrene is not recyclable in ACT recycling bins or at Recycling Drop Off Centres.
Disposal options
- For new goods that are delivered to your home with polystyrene packaging, ask for retailers to take it away
- If retail take-back is not an option, put in your general waste bin
- To prevent small polystyrene fragments or balls from becoming litter, please dispose of polystyrene fragments in a plastic bag
- Separate polystyrene from boxes and recycle the cardboard boxes
- For large quantities, dispose at one of our Resource Management Centres. Fees apply.
Why?
Polystyrene is a type of plastic resin that is not recyclable in the ACT. Avoid its use and dispose of responsibly in your general waste bin.
Additional information
Expanded polystyrene takeaway food and beverage containers and single-use plastic cutlery and stirrers (including bioplastic cutlery and stirrers) are prohibited from sale, supply or distribution within the ACT since 1 July 2021. Consider using alternatives such as reusable plastic, metal or compostable cutlery. Visit the single-use plastics website to find out more.
Related items
This may include foam meat trays; polystyrene packaging; polystyrene blocks; white polystyrene; polystyrene lids; polystyrene plastics; polyurethane foam packing; polyurethane foam beads; bean bag balls; styrofoam; eps; styrofome; expanded polystyrene; 6; styro; ps; packing peanuts.