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Recycling & Waste

Debunking Recycling Myths

Chris O'Brien with the Hungry Giant

Contrary to popular opinion, certain types of expanded polystyrene (aka Styrofoam) CAN be recycled. Learn what some of the waste companies don't want you to find out!

Styrofoam is recyclable. That notion we're taught when we're young that burning it releases toxic poisons into the air, is actually a myth. "The black smoke which is released upon burning is actually soot. Studies have shown that burning expanded polystyrene is actually no more harmful than burning wood," says Kin-Chun Ip, representative of Recycling Expanded Polystyrene Australia (REPSA) that works to create a more positive image of EPS and its recyclability.

"Our industry association, REPSA has established EPS Collection Centres in most states across Australia," she says. Local collection facilities can be located on their website.

Meanwhile, the material has inspired at least one eco entrepreneur to try and make a difference to waste disposal in Australia. Entrepreneur Chris O'Brien, then 23 years old, was working for a white goods store when his idea struck. He saw truckload after truckload of polystyrene packaging materials being removed regularly from the store and taken straight to landfill.

He developed a machine he called the Hungry Giant that could compact polystyrene on site. Because it is 98% air, a great amount could be squashed into small solid blocks that could more easily be recycled, and fewer trucks were required to move it. His contraption adapted by a number of commercial venues including "The Good Guys" in Chatswood.

Despite the practicality and simplicity of his development, O'Brien has hit some industry snags when it comes to promoting a product that reduces waste and encourages recycling. "Traditional waste companies love the old system because they get to charge for every cubic metre of waste generated, even if it hardly weighs anything," says O'Brien. "They've been making a fortune! Australian business and the planet have been paying dearly for it."

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