What is HOTBIN made of?

Short Answer

HOTBIN is made from ARPRO® Expanded Polypropylene also known as “EPP” (not Styrofoam) and it is used in high-value, safety-critical Automotive and Aerospace applications. So, if you purchase a HOTBIN and the box received is lighter than expected... don't panic! This is (EPP) what makes HOTBIN an Efficient Composter.

What makes EPP so Cool?

  • Thermal properties allows HOTBIN to compost 32X faster than cold composters.
  • Helps HOTBIN to compost more waste and less goes to landfill
  • Thermal properties allow HOTBIN to work year-round
  • Helps HOTBIN to perform between 100 and 140 degrees F
  • It's 100% recyclable at the end of its useful life estimated in 10 yrs.

All About EPP

Expanded Polypropylene Foam (EPP) is extremely resilient to impact. EPP's  weight-to-strength ratio makes it lightweight but strong, and durable. Examples of high-value and safety-critical applications include car bumpers, UAV drones and cycle helmets. EPP is much more durable than polystyrene (Styrofoam material).

ARPRO® EPP (the brand we use to manufacture HOTBIN) offers high impact strength and is used extensively throughout the automotive industry. EPP also has tremendous insulation properties too! This last property is what makes HOTBIN an efficient and year-round hot-composting bin.

HOTBIN Is NOT Made From Polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam material.

The HOTBIN is definitely NOT made from expanded polystyrene (EPS). EPS is far too brittle to survive the rough and tumble life of an outdoor compost bin. EPP 'looks' a little like polystyrene because it is made in a similar manner, ie the raw plastic is made into 'beads' (each one containing air) and then the beads expand when they are molded under pressure into the HOTBIN shape. 

Not a Single-Use Plastic and Fully Recyclable

EPP is not a “single-use” plastic. The material is fully recyclable and can be converted into new products. HOTBIN consists of just 4% raw material and 96% air, making the HOTBIN extremely resource efficient... and light-weight!

How Long Will the HOTBIN Last?

We offer a 3-year manufacturer’s guarantee, and subject to proper use, we expect it to last in excess of 10 years. We advise you take care with sharp implements like garden forks and sharp knives as these can puncture or cut into the walls.

Click view or download the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

For more information about EPP and ARPRO EPP, visit the ARPRO website.