Abstract: A handle assembly for use with expandable polystyrene coolers having a base, a lower section including two pairs of tapered, opposed, walls which extend upwardly and outwardly from the base and terminating in a shoulder, an upper section including two pairs of tapered, opposed, walls which extend upwardly and outwardly from the shoulder, a large and small opening in each wall of one pair of the tapered, opposed, walls of the upper section of the cooler, and a notch within the shoulder and extending into the walls of the one pair of tapered, opposed, walls of the upper section.The handle assembly of the present invention includes a U-shaped handle member, a pair of handle support assemblies, each including a round male projection, and a pair of female retainer member for mounting within a respective large opening in the tapered, opposed, walls of the upper section for receiving a respective male projection extending from a respective handle support assembly.