Our current rate of waste generation is not sustainable and is contributing to climate change. Each of us must recognise the impact of our actions on the environment, and adopt more sustainable habits to bring us closer to our vision of becoming a Zero Waste Nation.
If you’re just getting started on your zero waste journey and looking for more information on sustainability, you’ve come to the right page!
Check out the frequently asked questions below:
What can be recycled in the blue recycling bin?
Not sure whether an item can be recycled? Check here. Besides recycling right, we should also reduce wastage by using only what we need and reusing what we can. Find out how you can practise the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) at home, school or work here.
What happens after you bin your recyclables?
Recyclables are collected by a dedicated recycling truck and sent to a Materials Recovery Facility. The recyclables are sorted into different waste streams, baled and sent to local and overseas recycling plants. Find out more about what happens in this short video. More information on the recycling processes for different types of recyclables can be found here.
Do the items placed in recycling bins really get recycled or are they mixed with waste?
The contents of recycling bins are collected by the public waste collectors (PWCs) in dedicated blue trucks and sent to a Materials Recovery Facility. NEA monitors the collection by the trucks via GPS to ensure the separate collection of waste and recyclables. This is complemented with spot checks on the ground. NEA will impose a fine and demerit points on any PWC found to have collected waste and recyclables in the same truck.
All recycling trucks are painted blue to help differentiate them from waste collection vehicles.
Where are places to go for donation, resale and repair?
Not sure what to do with items that you no longer need, but are still in good condition? Consider donating or reselling them. There are many channels to donate, resell and repair items, check them out here.
Where to recycle E-waste?
E-waste contains useful materials, such as gold, silver, copper or plastic, that can be recovered and made into new products. Our nationwide e-waste management system ensures that e-waste is properly treated in order to protect the environment and public health, while recovering valuable resources. Find out more about how you can recycle e-waste here.
How can we reduce food wastage?
Food waste is a serious issue but its solution is simple – buy only what you can consume. Get the handy guide to reducing food wastage and saving money here. There are also guidebooks for supermarkets, food retail and food manufacturing establishments.
What can we do to reduce our use of disposables?
We can generate less waste by choosing reusables over disposables. Check out the resources, guides, and tips on how to reduce the use of disposables here.
How do I bag my waste, now that a bag charge is imposed at large supermarkets?
Larger supermarket operators will charge a minimum of 5 cents for each disposable carrier bag from 3 Jul 2023, to encourage sustainable habits such as bringing along reusable bags when shopping. Disposable bags, including those for bagging fresh produce such as fruits and fish, will still be available from supermarkets, other retail outlets and online shopping delivery services. These bags can be reused to bag your waste. Here are more ideas on ways to bag your waste.
How else can I help in making Singapore a green, liveable and climate-resilient home?
Make your Green Nation Pledge now! You can choose to pledge as an individual or on behalf of your school or organisation. Find out more info here.