The Complete Guide To Recycling In Singapore In 2020
The common household items that can and cannot be recycled
For as much of a green city we are, Singapore still lacks in a couple of aspects when it comes to recycling. For one, many of us still aren't sure of how to use the commingled blue recycling bins placed in our neighbourhoods – throwing in things that cannot be recycled such as clothes and e-waste, or even contaminating other recyclables with disposed food or drink.
Luckily, there are clear guidelines on how you should do it in order to help mother earth. Knowing what can be reused or recycled may even save you a few bucks along the way. Here we have a quick rundown on the green situation in Singapore, together with how you can do it right:
| Type of Waste | Examples | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Organic and/or contaminated | Leftover food and liquid waste, kitchen scraps, soiled diapers, stained tissues, styrofoam, paper food wrappings, oxo and biodegradable bags, etc | Discard in the rubbish chute or bin. |
| Non-organic | Papers, magazines, envelopes, etc Disposable plastic products, plastic bottles and containers, Tetrepaks, plastic bags, etc (except Types 3 and 6) Glass (except ceramics and porcelain, lightbulbs and fluorescent tubes) Metals (except batteries, electronics) | Deposit in recycling bin to send for recycling. Remember to empty and rinse empty bottles and containers before recycling to prevent contamination. |
| Plastics of Type 3 or 6 | Discard or reuse. | |
| Ceramics and porcelain | Discard, donate, reuse or upcycle. | |
| Batteries | Household batteries sold in Singapore are safe to dispose of in general waste. For all other types (power banks, mobile phone batteries etc,) dispose only at designated collection points. | |
| Electronics and e-waste | Dispose only at designated collection points. Consider donating items in good working condition. | |
| Toys, shoes, bags, clothes and spectacles | Discard, donate, reuse, or upcycle. | |
| Curtains, mattresses, pillows and bedsheets | Discard, donate (if still in good condition) or upcycle. | |
| Bulky items and furniture, etc. | Contact your Town Council, building manager or waste disposal service forassistance. |