Measures to Prohibit Public Misuse of Recycling Bins

Ms Mary Liew asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources whether the Ministry will consider having preventive measures that prohibit public misuse of recycling bins as common waste bins.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: The National Environment Agency (NEA) has observed that around 20-30% of the recyclables collected under the National Recycling Programme 7 are contaminated and that recycling bins located in close proximity to food outlets have more contamination. Recycling bins that are located far away from litter bins and in high traffic areas are also more likely to be misused as common waste bins.

To minimise contamination of recycling bins, NEA has undertaken public education efforts to make it clearer what can and cannot be recycled. All new recycling bins in HDB estates are fitted with standard labels that clearly display the specific kinds of materials that should be placed in the recycling bins. NEA also works closely with schools and community groups under the five Community Development Councils (CDCs) to educate the students and households on what can be recycled so as to ensure proper segregation of recyclables from waste.

NEA also engages the owners and operators of building premises, such as shopping malls and hotels, to share best practices on waste management and recycling. This is done through public seminars, workshops and the publication of guidebooks.

All these educational efforts would serve to maximise usage of recycling bins while at the same time cut down on misuse and contamination of the recyclables by other wastes.

Note(s) to Question No(s) 19:

7 Under the National Recycling Programme, the public waste collectors provide recycling bins to all households in HDB and private landed property estates. NEA also provides recycling bins in public areas, such as Orchard Road and at MRT stations.