First check that it is EPS
The white, rigid, beaded packaging around appliances and equipment is usually expanded polystyrene, or EPS. It comes as corners, trays, blocks and moulded inserts.
"Styrofoam disposal" is a common search, but not every foam is the same. Soft foam sheets, sponge, insulated panels and bonded packaging are different materials. Keep anything uncertain apart and send a close-up photo.
Sort it where goods are unpacked. Once EPS is mixed with wet cardboard, food or loose plastic film, it is much harder to recycle.
Council options for small amounts
Council rules differ, and many separate household material from business loads. Check the council for the site where the foam comes from. Ask whether it takes EPS, whether business loads are allowed and whether you need to book.
Kingston's bin guidance, for example, does not allow polystyrene in recycling bins. A plastics symbol does not mean foam can go in the yellow bin.
Some equipment suppliers take back their own packaging. Ask what they take and how it should be packed. That usually only covers their own deliveries.
Measure how much you have
EPS is light but takes up a lot of room. Count the full bags, stacks or cages and note their rough size. If it is spread across several unpacking areas, take a wide photo of each.
Say whether this is a one-off delivery or a regular stream, and how quickly it builds up. Include your suburb, loading access and whether a forklift is available. A clear volume estimate is more useful than a guessed weight.
How to pack it
Pull out cardboard, film and strapping as you unpack. Tell us about tape, labels, coatings or anything that touched food. Do not hide dirty pieces under clean ones.
Bag small pieces and keep the load under cover. Tie down large blocks so they cannot blow away. Do not break foam into small bits, as it becomes harder to contain.
Label the EPS bags or cage so staff know it is not a general packaging bin. Keep other foams and soft film out.
On collection day
Keep the load where it can be reached, and tell us if the amount or condition changes. Extra foam added after the price was agreed needs to be mentioned.
If you are bringing it to Braeside, wait for the booking and unloading instructions first. Make sure the load is covered or bagged for the trip.
If the load also has cardboard or other packaging, list each one separately. The A to Z directory shows what else we take.
What Crex does
Crex's polystyrene collection service collects clean EPS from your site, or you can bring it to our Braeside yard by arrangement. It is recycled.
Tell us what you've got with the volume, suburb and access details. Prices come back by email once the load is assessed. Keep any uncertain foam aside until we confirm it.