Can I recycle my bean bag beans?
Do you have a bean bag full of filling that has flattened and lost its shape over time?
Did you know that EponaCo’s expanded polystyrene (EPS) bean bag filling products can be recycled?
Bean bag beans commonly come in the form of styrofoam balls, if your bean bags are filled with actual beans, rice, or buckwheat husks, there are a variety of other options to reuse these fillings.
The impact on the environment of everyday materials is increasingly important if we are to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our natural heritage for future generations. Putting EPS into landfill means that we are not making the best of our natural resources either through recycling or energy recovery.
What is expanded polystyrene (EPS)?
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is commonly used in the package and packaging sector, mainly because of its excellent impact strength, acoustic isolation, lightness, and easy processing.
Did you know that The manufacture of EPS uses less than 0.1% of global crude oil as a feedstock however it can deliver up to 200 times its own resource in thermal energy savings.
The range of applications for expanded polystyrene goes much further than that once recycling is involved. You could visit any construction or building site and find products made from EPS carrying out diverse and important functions.
EPS is used in many aspects of building work including large structures such as roads, bridges, railway lines, and public buildings.
EPS does not absorb moisture and its thermal and mechanical properties are unaffected by damp, humidity or moisture. The use of EPS for thermal insulation in the construction industry contributes significant savings on heating and cooling buildings and a drastic reduction in the emission of polluting gases.
How is expanded polystyrene recycled?
The Toowoomba Waste Management Facility has recycled more than 17 tonnes of polystyrene from landfill over the past year for use in cladding, roofing and flooring products.
Recycling Polystyrene and Expanded Polystyrene can take many different forms. While EPS is a type of plastic, 98% of the material is actually air.
Expanded Polystyrene Australia (the national EPS Industry Group) has a number of collection facilities for EPS in the capital city of each mainland state. These facilities accept all types of EPS from both packaging and building applications. Visit the Expanded Polystyrene Australia to find out where the collection facility is in your state.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE POLYSTYRENE FOAM WHEN I REYCLE IT?
Polystyrene foam that is dropped off for recycling at specialised collection points will be melted down and turned into new products such as outdoor furniture, decking, picture frames and skirting boards.
EPS Manufacturing Process and Recycling of the used EPS molded products
By taking your old bean bag beans to a recycling station you are preventing other products from being manufactured saving energy and resources!
How can I recycle my bean bag filling?
Thanks for considering the environment before you throw your old bean bag beans away!
There are a few different EPS collection systems currently in place in Australia. These various voluntary systems have been put in place by different businesses and local governments
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) cannot be collected in your council recycling service so don't put them in your recycle bin.
To dispose of your Bean Bag Filling Beans please follow this link to find your nearest recycle station: REPSA® Collection Centres
For more information about recycling your Bean Bag Beans please visit these links:
Where can I recycle my EPS by state