ERA, an Australian specialist electronic waste management and recycling (WEEE) company, is part of MINDA, South Australia's largest disability assistance NGO.

MINDA has been at the forefront of helping and defending the rights of people with disabilities since its inception in 1898. In recent years its services have also been gradually expanded to cover the areas of environmental protection, waste management and recycling and health.

During the collection of electronic waste, many customers often supply large quantities of polystyrene packaging. Due to its good shock resistance, polystyrene is often used as packaging for the production of electrical appliances. Customers often stock up on this packaging whenever they buy new electronic equipment. The packaging is large yet light but can also be a safety hazard, making it unsuitable for long-term stockpiling and must be disposed of promptly.

ERA offers its customers a polystyrene recycling service alongside the recycling of old equipment. Initially, ERA treated the waste polystyrene as rubbish and sent it straight to landfill and as a result, the landfills were quickly filled up. There was no other option but to ask for help from waste management companies at great expense to the company.

Andrew, the commercial director of ERA, was very interested in INTCO's polystyrene recycling project. They learnt that waste could be turned into a valuable resource. After two months of market research and evaluation of all aspects, ERA purchased the GREENMAX model M-C200 polystyrene recycling machine. ERA has since expanded its polystyrene recycling programme and is exploring other recycling options.

The GREENMAX polystyrene recycling machine has been in operation at ERA for over two years now. The GREENMAX polystyrene recycling machine has not only helped ERA solve its foam waste problem, but has also solved part of the environmental crisis.