Conducted by YouGov on behalf of the British Plastics Federation (BPF) this year, a survey found that 84% of individuals are unaware that EPS is fully recyclable.
At the same time, 88% of the 2,059 respondents said that they considered EPS recycling “important”.
While EPS is fully recyclable, it is very rare that councils offer it through kerbside collections. Consumers are usually encouraged to take it to specific recycling points.
80% of respondents to the survey said they would be likely to use an EPS recycling service if it was introduced.
The survey was conducted between 28 and 29 January 2025 online. The figures have now been weighted by YouGov to represent all UK adults.
BPF EPS Recyclers Map
The BPF said that the survey showed that there is a need for local authorities to establish accessible EPS recycling collection points, for example at household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).
The BPF runs an “EPS Group” comprised of 17 companies which looks to engage with local authorities interested in setting up collection points.
The group has launched an “EPS Recyclers Map” which features a list of EPS recycling centres.
BPF EPS Group chairman Tim Wilson from Engineered Foam Products said: “This survey shows a clear desire to do the right thing when it comes to recycling EPS. Much of this material unfortunately ends up in landfill when it is perfectly recyclable.
“We hope that the insights provided by our survey encourages councils to create and promote more EPS collection centres to establish a steady supply of this material, so it can be recycled and reused. This would be a win for councils, a win for the EPS industry and a win for the environment.”
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