Fires Involving Blue Recycling Bins

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) in the past three years, whether the blue recycling bins have been involved in a fire; and (b) if so, how many cases.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Over the past three years, the number of fires involving blue recycling bins has averaged around 35 each year. These fires were likely caused by the improper disposal of fire hazards, such as batteries and lit cigarettes.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has been working to educate the residents on the proper use of our recycling infrastructure to minimise fire risk. Under the annual Recycle Right Campaign, NEA educates the public to dispose of used batteries only in e-waste bins and other e-waste collection points. The blue recycling bins should be used only for paper and cardboard, plastics, metals and glass items.