Good News - EPS Recycling Rates Continue To Climb

Recycling rates are reported on a bi-annual basis (every other year). This 2013 data is the most current, in 2015.

The good news is EPS recycling rates continue to climb!

• Over 123 million pounds of EPS were recycled in 2013, including 72.8 million pounds of post-consumer packaging and 54.5 million pounds of post-industrial packaging. Over the past decade EPS has achieved an average recycling rate of 47%, one of the highest of the plastics family.

• EPS is made of 98% air and is an inert material without harmful chemicals that off-gas or leach during its use of disposal.
• EPS represents less than 1% of the total municipal solid waste stream by weight and volume.
• Available in a variety of custom-molded shapes, EPS containers are water resistant and hygienic with high thermal-insulating properties. Which is what makes it a common choice for shipping food throughout the world

The EPS industry needs to support maintaining this trend and find ways to make recycling easier for consumers - but there is no question the numbers are going in the right direction!

Fillow this link for the full report which you can save or print. Recycling Rates - 2013 (new)