In recent years, the University of Manchester has integrated expanded polystyrene (EPS) recycling into its campus environmental services—formally acknowledging EPS as a distinct material stream and providing clear staff-facing guidance and infrastructure to support its capture.
A dedicated Polystyrene Recycling Guide, available on the university website, outlines which EPS items are accepted (e.g., packaging boxes) and which are excluded (e.g., cups, loose fill)—reinforcing correct disposal behavior . The effort ensures that clean EPS packaging is diverted from residual waste to specialized recycling.
This measure aligns with the university’s target to increase recycling to 45% and achieve 100% diversion from landfill by 2025 (recycleforgreatermanchester.com, estates.manchester.ac.uk). The EPS guidance is part of a broader commitment that led to nearly 98% of campus waste being diverted, including collection across paper, plastics, food, and polystyrene streams.
By treating EPS as a defined recyclate—supported by clear internal communications and staff training—the university embeds system logic into daily waste practices. Formalizing EPS as part of the recycling culture moves it beyond anecdotal pilot status toward routine sustainability operations.
