Meeting papers

Attachment 4: Polystyrene Recycling




                                                                                                       Waste Plan 2023-2028
Polystyrene Recycling
In 2023, following the success of a six-month
trial, Noosa Council installed an Expanded
Polystyrene Thermal Compaction Unit at the
Eumundi-Noosa Road landfill to address the
issue of polystyrene waste.

How it works?
The thermal compaction unit operates by
heating and compressing used polystyrene
waste. This process reduces the size of
the waste by 90% and transforms it into
                                                Polystyrene ready for recycling




                       T
small solid bricks. These bricks can be
conveniently transported and used to create




                     F
new products, thereby reducing the demand
for new polystyrene materials.




                    A
Win-Win




                   R
Recycling polystyrene at the landfill, not
only saves landfill space but also prevents




                 D
harmful particles from entering the natural
environment. The installed unit can process
up to 1 tonne per day, correlating to 66m3
in volume of polystyrene. A positive
step towards reducing environmental
pollution and promoting sustainable
waste management practices. Once the
polystyrene has been recycled it can be sold
for $400-$600 per tonne.                        Recycled polystyrene ready for repurposing




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