Saving Earth the SG WaySG National Recycling Programme (NRP)
Launched in 2001, the NRP adopts a collection system in which paper, plastic, glass and metal recyclables are deposited into the same blue recycling bin for collection by the public waste collectors.
The mixed recyclables are collected by dedicated recycling trucks and sorted, before the recyclable material are sent to recycling facilities for further processing. For more information on what happens after collection, please refer to this link.
Blue Recycling Bin in Singapore (Photo: NEA)
What to Recycle in the Blue Recycling Bin
Recyclable items
- Paper
- Glass
- Plastic
- Metal
Non-recyclables
- NO food or liquid waste - This will contaminate all the other recyclables in the recycling bin.
- Food-stained items
- Tissue paper
- Batteries
- Ceramics
List of Recyclables (Photo: NEA)
E-Waste Management
NEA works with industry partners and communities to encourage e-waste recycling through voluntary programmes led by industry partners. Find out more about the programmes and where to recycle your e-waste here.
One of the largest efforts in e-waste management is StarHub's RENEW (REcycling Nation's Electronic Waste) Programme. Most electronic products, regardless of brand, can be recycled in their recycling bins, as long as they measure less than 470mm by 120mm so as to fit through the deposit slot. Four major electronic retailers - Best Denki, Courts, Gain City and Harvey Norman - have also joined in the RENEW programme. Refer to StarHub's website for a list of locations of RENEW bins.
RENEW e-waste collection bins (Photo: MEWR)
Other Recycling Programmes
In addition to government-led efforts, there are also other recycling programmes for specific products. These include Project 2x2 by Two of a Kind and Eye for Earth initiative by Capitol Optical to recycle contact lens blisters, One Pod At A Time by Nespresso to recycle coffee aluminium capsules and coffee grounds, Save That Pen project to recycle used and unwanted pens by refilling them and donating them to underprivileged students, and Uniqlo Sustainability to maximize the use of Uniqlo clothing that customers no longer wear. Refer to the respective links for more information about the recycling programmes.
Coffee capsules (Photo: Pixabay)
Interactive Decision Making
Not sure what can or cannot be recycled in the blue recycling bin? Try out this decision making powered with JavaScript!