A recent survey by Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) reveals that 31% of EPS packaging in North America is recycled, diverting 168 million pounds of material from landfills. This recycling occurs primarily through business-to-business (B2B) channels rather than traditional curbside programs.
A new study conducted by Resource Recycling Systems reports that over 168 million pounds of expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging was diverted from North American landfills in 2022. This includes more than 61 million pounds of post-consumer EPS packaging, reflecting a 31% recycling rate. Notably, EPS recycling mainly takes place through business-focused systems and alternative channels, bypassing the more familiar curbside recycling programs.
Post-consumer material refers to products discarded by households, commercial entities, or industrial and institutional facilities after they have served their intended purpose.
“Many people are unaware of the significant amount of EPS being recycled because the process primarily takes place behind the scenes through independent contracts, recycled content feedstock supply, and overseas sales of EPS recyclate,” said Betsy Bowers, Executive Director of the EPS Industry Alliance (EPS-IA). “These channels are less visible to the public than curbside recycling, but their impact is substantial, as shown by the large volume of material diverted from landfills.”
Investments in infrastructure and advanced recycling technologies are driving the expansion of these alternative recycling streams. The EPS industry has invested $185 million in developing recycled content resin technologies, which reduce dependence on virgin materials by incorporating post-consumer recycled EPS foam into new products. Currently, the industry operates with a recycling capacity of 79 million pounds, with plans to add another 150 million pounds.
This progress has fueled demand for recycled EPS, which is used in various products such as picture frames, coat hangers, and concrete aggregates. Recycled EPS packaging also finds applications in sectors like construction, safety helmets, automotive parts, new packaging, and furniture. Consumer access to EPS recycling has expanded through initiatives like the Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC) grants.
Between 2019 and 2023, the number of consumers benefiting from the FRC densifier grant program increased from 4 million to 12.4 million. During the same period, foam polystyrene collected for recycling from FRC-supported programs nearly doubled, rising from 841,000 pounds to 1.6 million pounds. Additionally, Foam Cycle, a turnkey EPS recycling system for municipalities, has been adopted in 29 cities, further enhancing consumer access by 11.5 million people.
As EPS recycling infrastructure continues to expand, the EPS Industry Alliance encourages consumers and businesses to utilize the 400+ drop-off locations across North America, which can be found through the EPS-IA’s Recycling Map.
“EPS recycling is steadily increasing, and with growing access and infrastructure, even greater progress lies ahead,” Bowers added. “With continued innovation and investment, EPS recycling can play a significant role in supporting a more sustainable economy. We encourage businesses and communities to leverage these expanding opportunities.”
