Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is often misunderstood in public debate — seen as unrecyclable due to its low weight and high volume. But a detailed 2015 report from Divert Nova Scotia and Clean Foundation tells a different story.
At the time of publication, several Canadian provinces had already established successful EPS collection and recycling systems:
- British Columbia had over 100 public drop-off depots under its Multi-Material BC extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework. EPS from consumer packaging was densified and sold for reuse in molding, picture frames, and building insulation.
- Ontario and Alberta supported a combination of commercial initiatives and pilot collection points, particularly in urban areas. The recycled material was processed into rigid plastic components.
- Nova Scotia launched early pilot projects in Colchester County with mobile densifiers, and identified potential in both residential and institutional collection models.
While logistical barriers remain — including transportation cost, material contamination, and public awareness — the report concludes that EPS recycling is technically feasible, commercially viable, and already being practiced at scale in multiple jurisdictions.
The most successful efforts combined producer responsibility, public access to depots, and clear communication about what types of EPS can be recycled. These lessons remain highly relevant to contemporary system design.
Link to original report:
Examining the Potential for Expanded Polystyrene Diversion in Nova Scotia (Dirk Xanthos, 2015)
