Turning Waste into Warmth: Our New Polystyrene Recycling Initiative

We’re excited to share another positive step forward in reducing our environmental impact. 

Polystyrene recycling solutions can be difficult to find in New Zealand, mainly due to it not being accepted in standard recycling schemes. Although some local councils have found a way to offer recycling solutions, this is not yet available as a collection service in Hamilton. Polystyrene Styrofoam is generally seen as a difficult to recycle waste stream for a number of reasons, including its low density, the need for specialised machinery, and additives that prevent it from being repurposed. 

However, at Hill Labs, where there’s a will, there’s a way, so we have not let this fact stop us from finding a solution that allows us to recycle it instead of landfilling it. 

Here at Hill Labs, the primary source of polystyrene waste is our “poly-bins”. These bins are essential for transporting chilled samples to us via courier. Poly-bins do an excellent job of insulating their contents from hard knocks and keeping it cool while in transit to the lab; and although we have tried to reduce the reliance on these with the use of our “Hill-tainer” cardboard chill-tainers, we’ve not been able to reduce their use entirely.  

Until now, when bins became too worn out to reuse, disposal to landfill was often the only option. We recently discovered that we are conveniently located near NZ Polystyrene Industries Ltd who offer a public drop off service to take clean polystyrene waste. They then recycle it into building products such as rib-raft and underfloor insulation – turning what was once waste into something genuinely useful. 

This initiative is a great example of teamwork in action, with multiple teams contributing to a more sustainable way of working. It not only reduces waste sent to landfill but also supports the creation of products that improve energy efficiency in homes. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Our Sample Reception & Dispatch teams carefully remove all tape and stickers from used bins to ensure they are free from contaminants. 

• Clean bins are then collected and packed into large gardening bags. 

• Once four bags are filled, our Inwards Goods team transports them to NZ Polystyrene. 

• The material is inspected on arrival to confirm it meets recycling standards before being processed. 

A big thank you to everyone involved, for embracing the new process and helping make it a success. 

Together, we’re making smarter choices for our environment.