Singapore is a shining example of how a country can achieve a high recycling rate. With a recycling rate of over 70%, Singapore is one of the leading countries in the world in terms of waste diversion. A key part of Singapore’s success is its comprehensive recycling program, which includes a variety of recycling bins for different types of recyclable materials.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the different types of recycling bins in Singapore. We will also discuss some tips for recycling correctly and the importance of recycling for environmental sustainability.
Types of recycling bins
- Blue bins: These are for recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, metal, and glass.
- Brown bins: These are for garden waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and branches.
- Grey bins: These are for non-recyclable waste such as food waste, diapers, and sanitary products
- Green bins: These bins are used for recyclable products like plastic bottles, aluminium cans, etc.
- Red bins: Many are used for e-waste recycling like mobile phones, chargers, and small appliances.
- Orange bins: These bins are used for the collection of unwanted clothing and textiles.
The blue bins are the most common type of recycling bin in Singapore. They are found in most public areas, such as housing estates, shopping malls, and office buildings. The brown bins are less common, but they can be found in some residential areas. The grey bins are found in all households.
There are also a number of other recycling bins that can be found in Singapore. These include bins for specific types of recyclable materials, such as batteries, e-waste, and light bulbs.
Tips for Recycling
To help people recycle correctly, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has developed a set of guidelines on what can and cannot be recycled. These guidelines can be found on the NEA website.
- Rinse and dry recyclable materials before putting them in the blue bin. This will help to prevent contamination.
- Do not put food waste, diapers, or sanitary products in the blue bin. These items should be placed in the grey bin.
- Recycle specific types of recyclable materials in the appropriate bins. For example, batteries should be recycled in the battery recycling bin.
- If unsure whether an item can be recycled, check the NEA website or contact the NEA hotline.
By following these tips, you can help to keep Singapore clean and green.