E-waste recycling
NEA has introduced a regulated e-waste management system that will ensure the proper collection and handling of e-waste and the extraction of valuable resources from e-waste. The regulated e-waste management system will also safeguard the environment and our health. The regulated e-waste management system is based on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) approach, where producers bear the responsibility for the collection and treatment of their products when they reach end-of-life. For more information on the regulated e-waste management system, please visit
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) System for E-waste Management System.
NEA has also been working closely with industry partners and communities to encourage e-waste recycling through voluntary programmes led by industry partners. Find out more about the programmes at
Where to Recycle E-waste.
Upstream controls
Restriction of hazardous substances for electrical and electronic equipment
As part of the effort in environmental sustainability and overall plan to minimise the environmental impact of e-waste, NEA has implemented upstream controls via the
restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The control measures, which took effect on 1 June 2017, restrict the level of six hazardous substances in identified types of EEE. This will reduce the amount of heavy metals entering our waste stream and increase the potential recyclability of incineration ash, in turn extending the lifespan of Semakau Landfill.
Fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
Fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are different from other types of lamps as they contain trace amounts of mercury within the glass enclosure. Mercury plays a pivotal role in the production of light and cannot be totally eliminated. Since 1 July 2012, only lamps with low levels of mercury (less than 10mg for straight and circular lamps, less than 5mg for CFLs) are allowed to be imported for use in Singapore. In keeping with our environmental standards, such lamps can be safely disposed along with general waste at our waste-to-energy incineration plants.
The public may dispose of used lamps in the 3-in-1 bin or battery & bulb bin that are provided by NEA’s appointed Producer Responsibility Scheme (PRS) Operator, ALBA E-Waste Smart Recycling Pte Ltd. These batteries will be collected by ALBA and sent for proper treatment at licensed e-waste recycling facilities. To locate the nearest bin to dispose of your batteries, please visit
Where to Recycle E-waste.
Batteries
Since 1 June 1992, Singapore has imposed restrictions on the mercury content in mercury oxide, zinc carbon and alkaline batteries. Local sale of batteries exceeding the stipulated mercury content is not allowed. The use of rechargeable batteries is encouraged to reduce the quantity of discarded batteries. Currently, only laptop and mobile phone battery recycling services are available. Lead-acid batteries are classified as Toxic Industrial Waste and must be treated as such.
The public may dispose of used household batteries (e.g. AA/AAA batteries) in the 3-in-1 bin, battery & bulb bin, or battery-only bin that are provided by NEA’s appointed Producer Responsibility Scheme (PRS) Operator, ALBA E-Waste Smart Recycling Pte Ltd. These batteries will be collected by ALBA and sent for proper treatment at licensed e-waste recycling facilities. To locate the nearest bin to dispose of your batteries, please visit
Where to Recycle E-waste.