Which type of polystyrene can be recycled in Northern Tasmania?

Look at the size of the foam ‘bubbles’ in the polystyrene. If they are big and soft, that is likely to be expanded polystyrene and that CAN be recycled in Northern Tasmania.

If no ‘bubbles’ can be seen in the polystyrene or they are very small and the surface is very smooth, they cannot be recycled and need to go in the garbage bin (best to avoid buying these packages if possible when shopping).

Expanded form polystyrene CAN be recycled in the Northern Tasmanian recycling program. This includes protective packaging found around electrical goods and other fragile items:

YES to these:

Compact form polystyrene can NOT be recycled in the Northern Tasmanian recycling program. This includes meat trays, coffee cups, egg cartons, take-away food clamshells, beads used in bean bags, and plastic packing ‘peanuts’:

NO to these:

Polystyrene can be dropped off for recycling at any of these locations:
The City of Launceston Waste Centre (Cavalry Road, Mowbray.  Monday – Sunday: 8.00 am to 4.45 pm)
George Town Waste Transfer Station
Exeter Waste Transfer Station
St Helens Waste Transfer Station
Longford Waste Transfer Station and
Deloraine Waste Transfer Station.

The polystyrene recycling program is an initiative of the Northern Tasmanian Waste Management Group and its member councils.