Polystyrene Compactors for EPS Recycling
Loose polystyrene takes up far more room than it should, because most of what ends up in your skip bin is simply air. A Mil-tek polystyrene compactor shrinks EPS foam to a fraction of its original size, with a volume reduction of up to 40:1. The result is solid, uniform blocks that stack neatly, are simple to move and are ready to be sent for recycling.
Talk to our team about which compactor suits your business, or get a quote
Finding the right EPS compactor for your business
Compare our two models based on how much polystyrene you handle and the processing capacity you need:
EPS1000
- Volume reduction of up to 40:1
- Processes up to 15 kg of EPS per hour
- Ideal for businesses with low to medium amounts of polystyrene
EPS2000
- Volume reduction of up to 40:1
- Processes up to 70 kg of EPS per hour
- Built for businesses handling large quantities of polystyrene
Why businesses choose a polystyrene compactor
Cut the cost of waste collection and handling by shrinking polystyrene volume
Reclaim floor and storage space, with foam compressed at a ratio of up to 40:1
Create a safer, tidier workplace without piles of loose foam getting in the way
Earn extra income, as clean compacted blocks can often be sold
Lower your environmental footprint by getting polystyrene ready for recycling
Let our specialists help you
Making polystyrene recycling simple
Many people assume polystyrene can't be recycled. The real obstacle, though, isn't the material.
It's the fact that polystyrene is light, bulky and expensive to store and cart away.
With a Mil-tek compactor, loose EPS is pressed into solid blocks, turning an awkward
waste stream into one that's simple to manage.
Recycling polystyrene keeps it out of landfill and lowers its impact on the environment, giving the foam a second life as a raw material with genuine commercial value. When it's processed the right way, Polystyrene is fully recyclable.
Whether you handle a few boxes a week or large quantities every day, Mil-tek has polystyrene compactors to help you shrink your environmental footprint.
From loose foam to solid blocks
Without a compactor: Loose polystyrene quickly fills your skip bins and storage areas, and you end up paying to transport what is largely air.
With a compactor: The foam is pressed into compact blocks that can be stacked, stored and palletised with ease, making collection and recycling far simpler.
Where do the compacted blocks go?
- Blocks can be stored until collection or combined with return freight to cut down on transport runs
- Because the output is consistent and easy to handle, the recycling process becomes much smoother
- Recycling partners will often take compacted EPS, and depending on how clean it is and on local demand, you may even be able to sell it
The bigger picture
By freeing up storage space and reducing the number of loads you move, a polystyrene compactor lets you:
- Send less waste to landfill
- Keep your site safer and better organised
- Work towards your sustainability targets with more viable recycling and lower transport emissions
The compaction process, step by step
- Feed the polystyrene into the machine’s hopper
- The foam is broken down, and the air trapped inside is squeezed out
- What remains is pressed into solid, stackable EPS blocks
- The finished blocks are ready to store, stack on pallets and send off for recycling
Whatever name it goes by, whether EPS, expanded polystyrene, airpop or simply foam, a Mil-tek compactor can handle it.
The machine takes care of the whole process automatically. It shreds the material, then applies heat and pressure to form dense blocks or briquettes. These take up a fraction of the space, are much easier to move and can be sold on to recyclers, who turn them into new plastic products.
Expert installation and ongoing support
Where and how your compactor is set up makes a real difference to the results you get. That’s why a Mil-tek technician installs every machine at your premises and works with you to find the spot that best fits your day-to-day operations. With the compactor in the right place, polystyrene can be processed steadily without piling up or slowing your team down. Loose foam stays under control, and the compacted blocks are simple to gather and palletise, whether they’re headed for transport, recycling or further processing.
Our support doesn’t stop once the machine is running. Mil-tek is on hand with practical help and advice whenever you need it, so your equipment keeps working safely and reliably for years to come.
Choose how you pay
Polystyrene compactor hire
Stay flexible, with a full service agreement built in.
Buy your own polystyrene compactor
Own the machine outright and optimize your long term ROI.
Polystyrene compactor FAQs
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A polystyrene compactor squeezes the trapped air out of EPS and other polystyrene waste, leaving you with solid blocks that are ready for recycling. Because it reduces the volume by as much as 40:1, you need far less storage space and fewer collections.
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Yes. Polystyrene, expanded polystyrene (EPS) and airpop are all names for the same lightweight plastic, usually identified by plastic code 6. It's the protective packaging used around everything from food and seafood to electronics, appliances and furniture while they're being stored or shipped.
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A polystyrene recycling machine can typically achieve a compaction ratio of 40:1, shrinking the foam to a fortieth of its original volume.
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It comes down to how much polystyrene your business produces. Both EPS recycling machines work the same way. The only difference is the volume each one is built to process.
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Yes. Recycling companies throughout New Zealand accept compacted EPS and polystyrene and make sure it gets recycled. Depending on how clean your blocks are, some may even pay you for them.
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Yes. Whether you buy or hire a polystyrene compactor from Mil-tek, installation is fully included. One of our technicians will come to your site, set the machine up and make sure it's running smoothly and ready to go. They'll also run a thorough training session, so your staff know exactly how to use it.
Have a question?
Get in touch and find out how Mil-tek can help your business manage waste more efficiently, freeing up space and cutting both time and costs along the way.