Responsible EPS Foam Recycling

Turning Waste into Valuable Resources

Managing Construction Waste with EPS Foam Recycling

At Hunter Pods, we are committed to reducing waste and promoting sustainability in the construction industry. One of the key materials we focus on recycling is Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam. Used extensively in waffle pods and other construction applications, EPS is a versatile and highly recyclable material.

EPS can be recycled at nearly every stage of its life cycle, from manufacturing waste to offcuts from building sites, making it a sustainable solution for your construction projects. We believe that through proper collection, sorting, and reprocessing, EPS foam can be reused to create new products, minimising waste and contributing to a cleaner environment.

How Hunter Pods Recycle EPS Foam

Discover how Hunter Pods recycles EPS foam—from collection to re-manufacturing—turning waste into sustainable solutions for construction across Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.

Collection

Efficient EPS waste collection is crucial for sustainable recycling. Hunter Pods employs several methods to gather EPS waste from construction sites and residential sources alike.

Construction Sites & Manufacturers: EPS offcuts and unused materials from building sites are gathered, bagged, and returned to recycling facilities for reprocessing, reducing waste in construction.
Production Offcuts: All EPS offcuts from our production process are reintroduced into manufacturing, as EPS can be recycled many times, making it highly circular.
StyroCycle Program: As proud members of StyroCycle, we support EPSA’s initiative for the public to dispose of clean EPS packaging waste through local collection points.

These efficient collection methods ensure EPS waste is captured and directed to recycling facilities, fuelling the next step in the circular process.

Sorting

Sorting EPS foam is essential for producing high-quality recycled products, as it separates EPS from other waste materials and contaminants.

Maintaining Cleanliness: EPS destined for recycling must be free from contaminants like cement, render, glue, and organic materials.
Preserving Material Integrity: Contaminated EPS can reduce the quality of recycled products, so thorough sorting protects the functionality and durability of EPS foam.
High-Quality Recycling: Careful sorting enables the production of superior recycled materials, ensuring expanded polystyrene can be repurposed effectively into new, high-performance products.

Sorting preserves the integrity of EPS waste, allowing it to continue supporting sustainable construction.

Reprocessing

Once collected and sorted, expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste moves into reprocessing, where it’s transformed into a reusable material for manufacturing.

Granulation: EPS is fed into a granulation machine, where it’s shredded into small, uniform granules, preparing it for reuse.
Material Reintegration: These granules are then incorporated into the production of new EPS products, maintaining material circularity.
Sustainable Production Cycle: Reprocessing reduces the demand for new raw materials, promoting environmental sustainability by turning waste into a valuable resource.

Through reprocessing, EPS waste re-enters the production cycle, contributing to a sustainable approach in manufacturing.

Re-manufacture

Recycled EPS reaches its final stage through re-manufacturing, where it’s used to create essential construction products.

Waffle Pods: Recycled EPS is moulded into waffle pods, a vital component for concrete slab foundations. These pods often contain up to 50% recycled content, retaining their thermal properties while reducing concrete usage.
Geofoam Applications: Recycled EPS is also used in Geofoam for large-scale infrastructure projects like bridge abutments and railway construction, as well as void fill for landscaping.

By transforming EPS waste into high-quality building materials, we close the loop on EPS recycling, advancing a circular economy and promoting sustainable construction.

Recycling EPS Packaging with StyroCycle

Hunter Pods is proud to be an official drop-off point for StyroCycle, providing a convenient recycling solution for the local community to dispose of post-consumer expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste. We welcome residents and businesses to bring eligible EPS items for responsible recycling, supporting a sustainable, waste-free future.

Drop-Off Hours

8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday (closed on weekends and public holidays).

Items Accepted for Recycling

Packaging

Clean white polystyrene from appliance packaging (TVs, dishwashers, ovens).

Vegetable Boxes

Clean, white EPS boxes only; remove all organic material and labels.

Beanbag Beans

White EPS polystyrene fill, clean and contaminant-free. Must be in a tightly sealed bag.

Items Not Accepted

- Coloured polystyrene
- Food packaging and meat trays
- Loose foam packing peanuts or foam packing roll
- Polystyrene with tape, strapping, labels, dirt, or concrete

How To Get Involved in EPS Foam Recycling

Get involved in EPS recycling with options tailored for builders, households & businesses.

For Builders
& Concreters

Dispose of EPS Waste Responsibly

Engage Hunter Pods for easy, responsible disposal of EPS construction waste. We offer pick-up services and provide recycling bags, helping you keep job sites clean while supporting sustainable building practices.

For Local
Households

Drop Off
EPS Packaging

Bring your expanded polystyrene packaging to our StyroCycle drop-off bin. Large amounts are accepted free of charge, so invite friends and neighbors to join in recycling for a greener community.

For Local
Businesses

Arrange EPS Recycling Pickup

Free drop-off is available, but if your business generates substantial EPS waste, contact Hunter Pods to arrange a pick-up service tailored to your needs. Let’s keep EPS out of landfills together!

Choose Recycled EPS Products

Support Sustainable Construction

Hunter Pods offers quality products made with recycled EPS. When you choose our sustainable materials, you’re contributing to a circular economy and supporting eco-friendly building solutions in your community.

Take Action Today – Recycle EPS Foam

Join Hunter Pods in transforming EPS foam waste into valuable resources. Whether you’re a builder, homeowner, or business, your commitment to recycling