Solving a recycling challenge

Mitre 10 has partnered with EXPOL and other industry partners to help tackle a growing waste challenge: finding a responsible way to recycle expanded polystyrene (EPS).

EPS is commonly used to protect fragile products and appliances during transport. While it is highly effective packaging, it is not accepted in most council kerbside recycling collections, making disposal difficult for many households.

Through this partnership, we are helping create practical and scalable recycling solutions that keep EPS out of landfill and transform it into valuable new products, including insulation and other building materials.

What we accept

We accept:

• EPS packaging from products purchased at Mitre 10.
• Clean white or black expanded polystyrene (EPS) only (Plastic Identification Code 6).

The EPS we collect typically looks like rigid white boards made up of small beads.

We do not accept:

• Polystyrene foam with a smooth texture
• Food containers and packaging
• Fish bins
• Contaminated EPS
• Other plastics or packaging materials

Non-commercial use only

The recycling cubes located at participating Mitre 10 stores are intended for domestic quantities only.

Commercial volumes of EPS are not accepted through this programme.

As a guide, quantities greater than two standard rubbish bags per visit (unless pre-arranged) should be managed directly through EXPOL's commercial recycling service.

For commercial enquiries, please contact EXPOL on 0800 86 33 73 to discuss your requirements and any applicable charges.

Where to drop off your unwanted polystyrene

If your EPS packaging was purchased from another retailer, we encourage you to check whether that retailer offers a take-back programme first.

Where no alternative programme exists, participating Mitre 10 stores can accept eligible EPS through one of two collection models:

• Open Scheme – accepts eligible household EPS packaging regardless of where it was purchased.
• Mitre 10 Packaging Only – accepts EPS packaging from Mitre 10 products only.

Open Scheme Locations

• Albany – 260 Oteha Valley Road, Albany, Auckland
• Henderson – 186 Lincoln Road, Henderson, Auckland
• New Lynn – 5 Astley Avenue, New Lynn, Auckland
• Onehunga – 1 Princes Street, Onehunga, Auckland
• Manukau – 61 Lambie Drive, Manukau, Auckland
• Mt Wellington – 72 Lunn Avenue, Mount Wellington, Auckland
• Pukekohe – 12 Wrightson Way, Pukekohe
• Ruakura (Hamilton) – 41 Ruakura Road, Hamilton
• Te Rapa (Hamilton) – 1 Maahanga Drive, Hamilton
• Thames - 458 Pollen Street, Thames
• Ferrymead – 1005 Ferry Road, Woolston, Christchurch
• Hornby – 370 Main South Road, Hornby, Christchurch
• Papanui – 54 Harewood Road, Papanui, Christchurch
• Rangiora – 1 Southbrook Road, Rangiora
• Wanaka – 100 Sir Tim Wallis Drive, Wanaka 9305
• Queenstown – 46 Brookes Road, Frankton, Queenstown
• Dunedin – 350 Andersons Bay Road, South Dunedin, Dunedin 9012

Mitre 10 Packaging Only Locations

• Botany – 9 Bishop Dunn Place, Flat Bush, Auckland
• Glenfield - 15 Poland Road Wairau Valley
• Silverdale - 35 Colin Chester Drive
• Cambridge – 1 Oliver Street, Cambridge
• Rotorua – 1542 Amohau Street, Rotorua
• Tauranga – 1066 Cameron Road, Gate Pa, Tauranga
• Gisborne - 24 Derby Street, Gisborne
• Wellington (Crofton Downs) - 128 Churchill Drive Wellington
• Wellington (Petone) - 25 Bouverie st, Lower Hutt, Wellington
• Wellington (Porirua) - 3 Semple Street, Porirua
• Wellington (Upper Hutt) - 9 Park Street, Wellington
• Wellington (Wainuiomata) - 6 Te Ara Raukura, Wainuiomata
• Nelson - 99 Quarantine Road, Annesbrook, Nelson
• Cromwell – 20 Elspeth Street, Cromwell
• Prestons - 390 Prestons Road, Marshland, Christchurch
• Gore - 15 Irwell Street, Gore
• Invercargill - 12 Elles Road, Strathern, Invercargill

About EXPOL

EXPOL is a New Zealand owned company that manufactures and supplies expanded polystyrene (EPS) products used widely in construction.

EXPOL collects the waste, then recycles the material into new products including EXPOL Tuff Pods, EXPOL Quick Drain, EXPOL Timber Under Floor, EXPOL ThermaSlab Sheet, EXPOL StyroDrain and EXPOL Earth Green Beans Bean Bag Fill, which is made of 100% recycled polystyrene.

EXPOL diverts over 500 tonnes of polystyrene from landfill each year (as at 2024).

For more information on EXPOL visit https://expol.co.nz/

Programme Assurance

The purpose of the audit is to verify that established practices, procedures, and downward pathways are in place and effectively followed in accordance with the programme. EXPOL underwent a desktop audit conducted by the Mitre 10 Sustainability team on November 2026.

Mitre 10’s Strategy to reduce polystyrene

Additional to this, Mitre 10 has introduced a comprehensive Sustainable Packaging Guidelines Policy, which all suppliers need to comply with by the end of 2025. The policy requires the removal of unnecessary packaging and that any remaining is fully recyclable or home compostable in New Zealand.

We are on a journey to making a real and sustainable impact on the environment, our operations, and the communities we are part of for the better.

Our Sustainability Commitment

We are committed to making a positive and lasting impact on the environment, our operations, and the communities we serve. Through initiatives such as EPS recycling, responsible packaging, and collaborative partnerships, we are helping create practical solutions that reduce waste and support a more sustainable future for New Zealand.