EPS-ban

The AMA has developed a factsheet and self-assessment tool in response to the Western Australian ban on expanded plastic packaging, commencing 1st July 2025.

Downloads: Expanded Plastic Packaging Fact Sheet | Fragility assessment template

The fact sheet contains the following summary information, and further clarification of materials ‘in’ and ‘out’ of scope, assessing fragility, and where to find more information.

Background

Expanded plastics such as EPS are lightweight materials, easily transported by wind and water when littered. EPS breaks into pieces in the environment and poses a threat to wildlife. Foamed plastics like EPS are not suitable for recycling in kerbside bins because of their tendency to break up. Nationally, only 19% of EPS packaging is recycled, with the majority from commercial and industrial sources.

Expanded plastic includes, but is not limited to EPS (Expanded Polystyrene, aka ‘Styrofoam’ / EPS foam), EPE (Expanded Polyethylene), EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) and EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate.

In this resource we use the longer term ‘expanded plastic packaging’ as per the regulation, but EPS is the most typical material and what we sometimes refer to colloquially or as shorthand for these materials.

Expanded plastics are used in packaging of various kinds of music products including keyboards, guitars, drums, pro audio equipment, brass and wind instruments and accessories.

The Western Australian Ban

The ban, in effect from 1st July 2025, applies to moulded or cut packaging made from any form of expanded plastic.

The ban on expanded plastics applies to all Western Australian businesses, manufacturers, retailers and distributors that sell or supply goods requiring protective packaging.

This fact sheet illustrates which materials are (and aren’t) included in the ban, how exemptions apply, and how members can manage their compliance responsibilities.

Recycling

Expanded plastics can be recycled, in some circumstances, but are not accepted in a typical recycling bin. There are recycling options for EPS and other expanded plastic packaging.

Styrocycle coordinates paid and free recycling options for clean EPS materials

  1. Bulk recycling is available, charged by volume. This is the most efficient and affordable option for large volumes of EPS that does not include other recyclables. See com.au/ for more information.
  2. For smaller, irregular drop-offs of EPS packaging waste, individual retailers can take material directly to their nearest StyroCycle bin. A list of locations is available at https://styrocycle.com.au/where-to-recycle/

RecycleSmart is a recycling service that includes EPS and other ‘tricky recyclables’.

  • RecycleSmart collects a range of ‘tricky recyclables’ including soft plastics, e-waste, some textiles, and other materials.
  • Collections are available at different volumes from 60L up to a semi-trailer at a time
  • Standard pickup price for 60L bin is $14 + GST
  • RecycleSmart operates in the following areas: https://www.recyclesmart.com/where-we-collect

RecycleSmart also offers paid recycling solutions, and free dropoff solutions in some areas in partnership with local councils.