Educate – Sort – Recycle

Styrofoam (Expanded Polystyrene – EPS)

Learn how to responsibly dispose of Styrofoam (Expanded Polystyrene – EPS) with guidance from Gee Hoe Seng Pte Ltd (GHS).

Styrofoam is widely used for packaging, takeaway containers, and cushioning materials due to its lightweight and insulating properties. However, it is one of the most challenging materials to recycle because it is 90–95% air, bulky to transport, and difficult to clean once contaminated.

At GHS, we currently do not accept Styrofoam for recycling, but we aim to educate businesses and individuals on proper handling and disposal methods to minimize environmental impact.

Collected white Styrofoam packaging materials ready for disposal in Singapore.

Educate – Sort – Recycle

Is it Recyclable?

No — Styrofoam is generally not recyclable in Singapore.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) requires specialized recycling equipment to compress and process it efficiently.

Due to high transport costs, bulky volume, and contamination issues, most EPS is not accepted by local recycling facilities.

Educate – Sort – Recycle

Why Is It Difficult to Recycle?

Understand why Styrofoam recycling is limited and what makes it one of the least sustainable materials in packaging.

Here’s why it’s usually not recycled

  • Extremely bulky and low density – Styrofoam (EPS) is made of 90% air, making it expensive to transport and store. Even when compressed, the material yield is minimal.
  • Contamination issues – Styrofoam easily absorbs liquids and oils, making food-contaminated foam unsuitable for recycling.
  • Specialized recycling required – Processing clean EPS efficiently require use of compaction or melting technologies.
Not Recyclable
  • Styrofoam

What Happens in Facilities That Can Recycle EPS

In specialized EPS recycling plants (not currently available at GHS), clean Styrofoam can be: 

  • Compacted into dense bricks, reducing its volume for efficient transport.
  • Processed into recycled polystyrene pellets, which can be used to make new products.

However, due to logistical and contamination challenges, these options are not viable for general collection in Singapore at this time.

Additional Information
1) Do not place Styrofoam in recycling bins — it will contaminate other recyclables.
2) Food-contaminated Styrofoam (e.g. takeaway boxes, cups, or trays) should always be disposed of as general waste.

How to Dispose of Styrofoam Responsibly

  • Compact before disposal – Break or compress large pieces to reduce waste volume.

  • Educate your team – Ensure staff and customers understand Styrofoam cannot go into recycling bins.

  • Always treat Styrofoam as general waste unless you are part of a specialized EPS recycling program.