Always in a flap about what goes in which bin? We've scoured the interwebs to bring you this comprehensive guide to recycling in Singapore.
Confused about what’s recyclable in Singapore? Wondering how to explain it to the kids, like whether that pizza box or party wrapping paper goes in the bin? Relax, parents – we’ve got you covered. With our simple A-Z recycling guide, you can confidently turn your household into eco-friendly pros. Learn the basics, and soon you’ll be an expert on what can (and can’t) be recycled in Singapore. Happy recycling!
How to recycle metal items
Recycling metal items in Singapore is a simple yet impactful way to reduce waste and conserve resources. Many metal products, from aluminium cans to old appliances, can be repurposed instead of ending up in landfills. Properly sorting and disposing of metal items helps support Singapore’s recycling efforts and contributes to a more sustainable future. Here’s a quick guide on how to recycle your metal waste in the most eco-friendly way.
Aerosol Cans: Metal recycling. Ensure they are empty first!
Aluminium Cans: Rinse where necessary, then put in Metal recycling.
Aluminium Foil and Containers: Clean before recycling. Scrunch up the foil before placing it in recycling.
Metal Cans and Tins: Rinse first, then recycle.
Metal Lids: Recyclable. Place in the Metal bin.
Pet food cans: Empty and rinse first.
Bottle tops: Depending on the material, they can be recycled — metal or plastic. Dispose of them in the right bin!
Cutlery (Metal): Donate or sell if possible. Otherwise, recycle.
How to recycle paper items
Recycling paper in Singapore is as easy as flipping a page! Whether it’s the stack of old newspapers, empty cereal boxes, or leftover party invites, turning paper waste into something new is a great way to keep our planet happy. Get ready to give your paper scraps a second life with a few simple steps. Here’s how to recycle your paper items like a pro and do your part for a greener Singapore!
Cardboard: Recyclable, whether coated or not.
Egg Cartons (Cardboard): Recyclable in the Paper bin.
Envelopes (including with plastic windows): With or without the plastic windows, chuck these in with your paper recycling.
Drink Carton: Rinse thoroughly, flatten, and recycle in the Paper bin.
Juice Carton: Rinse, crush, and recycle in the Paper bin.
Junk Mail: Recyclable in the Paper bin.
Magazines: Recyclable in the Paper bin.
Newspapers: Recyclable in the Paper bin.
Red Packets: Recyclable as per your usual paper recycling bins.
Wrapping Paper: Recyclable with Paper.
Paper and Cardboard: Recyclable. Place in the Paper bin.
Gift Wrapping Paper: Recyclable.
Pizza Boxes (Clean): Flatten and recycle clean boxes in the Paper bin. Dump those greasy ones in the general waste bin.
How to recycle plastic items
It’s time to turn your plastic waste into something fantastic! From empty bottles and food containers to old plastic bags, recycling plastic in Singapore helps keep the environment cleaner and greener. It’s easy to give these everyday items a fresh start, so let’s jump into how you can recycle plastic like a sustainability superstar. Let’s make your plastic waste count!
Oil, cooking: DO NOT pour it down the sink! Many fats, once cooled, will solidify, meaning you can pop it in the general waste as a solid form. Otherwise, once cooled, pour into a container and throw that out. Don’t forget you’re good to use some fats several times for the same purpose.
Plastic Bags: Reusable. Recycle non-biodegradable ones.
Plastic Food Containers: Ensure they are clean, then recycle.
Plastic Cutlery: General waste.
Plastic Straws: General waste. Use reusable straws instead.
Plastic Bottles: Rinse and recycle. Don’t forget to separate the bottle tops.
Plastic Bottle Tops: Recyclable, depending on the material.
Clothes hangers (plastic): Can be recycled!
Ice-Cream Containers (Plastic): Recyclable in the Plastic bin.
Milk Bottles (Plastic): Rinse and recycle.
Yoghurt Containers: Clean first, then recycle.
Fruit Containers (Plastic): Recyclable in the Plastic bin.
Soft Plastic Packaging: Recyclable with Plastics.
Plastic Food Wrapping: If not foil-lined, it can be recycled.
CDs and CD Casings: Recyclable as plastics.
How to recycle glass items
Get ready to see your glass waste sparkle with a new purpose! Recycling glass in Singapore is a breeze from empty jars and bottles to that chipped glass cup. Instead of tossing it out, give it a chance to be transformed into something new. Here’s how to recycle your glass items and make a shiny difference for the planet!
Glass Jars and Bottles: Rinse and recycle. Metal lids go in the Metal bin.
Glassware (Cups, Plates): Recyclable if not broken. Otherwise, general waste.
Broken Glass (e.g., Drinking Glasses): Hazardous. Wrap and dispose of as general waste.
Mirrors: Donate if not broken. Otherwise, general waste.
How to recycle electronics & batteries
Ready to power up your recycling game? Old electronics and batteries might seem tricky to dispose of, but Singapore has a smart and eco-friendly way to handle them. From worn-out smartphones to dead batteries, these items contain valuable materials that can be reused—and harmful chemicals that need careful disposal. Instead of letting them gather dust or end up in landfills, drop them off at designated e-waste recycling points across the island. It’s time to give your gadgets a second life while keeping Singapore green and tech-savvy!
Batteries (Single-use and Rechargeable): General waste.
Mobile Phone Batteries: Drop them off in a Singtel x SingPost ReCYCLE bin or use the ReCYCLE envelope service.
Computers and computer accessories: Dell offers a takeback service for its products. If you’ve just purchased a new DELL system, monitor, or printer, you can use the service to recycle any manufacturer’s brand.
Computer mice: You can drop them into one of 443 RENEW bins at 397 locations. Check here for details.
Laptops: Recycle through the RENEW or ReCYCLE bins.
Mobile Phones, Chargers, and Accessories: Recycle through RENEW or ReCYCLE bins.
Ink Cartridges and Toner: Recycle through Project Homecoming collection boxes.
DVD Players, Remote Controls, Set-top Boxes, and Routers: Drop into RENEW bins at designated locations.
How to recycle food packaging
Recycling food packaging in Singapore is a great way to reduce waste but requires a little extra attention. Before tossing your plastic containers, cartons, or tin cans into the recycling bin, make sure they’re clean and free from food residue. Rinse out bottles, scrape off leftovers from pizza boxes, and separate the recyclable parts from non-recyclable ones, like plastic-lined paper cups or greasy food wrappers. Once you’ve prepped your packaging, they’re ready for the recycling bin. Simple steps, big impact!
Bottles (Glass or Plastic): Rinse and recycle.
Coffee cups: You might think these are paper, but they are actually coated with a thin layer of plastic, which is super hard to separate. Meaning it’s general waste for these. Best option: use a reusable cup,
Coffee cup lids: The plastic is usually low-quality, meaning it’s not recyclable. Use. Your. Own. Cup
Coffee pods (Nespresso): Request a Recycling Bag when you purchase your coffee, then fill with used coffee capsules. Once full, you can then pass it to the courier when they deliver your next order, or drop it off at a Nespresso boutique.
Egg Cartons (Plastic): Recyclable.
Fruit Containers (Plastic): Recyclable.
Juice Carton: Rinse and recycle.
Milk Cartons: Rinse, crush, and recycle.
Plastic Food Containers: Ensure cleanliness before recycling.
Plastic Food Wrapping: Recyclable if not lined with foil.
Meat Trays (Polystyrene): General waste.
How to recycle textiles & clothing
Recycling textiles and clothing in Singapore is a fantastic way to give your old clothes a new lease on life! Instead of tossing worn-out clothes, shoes, or linens into the trash, consider donating gently used items to local charities or drop them off at Cloop‘s textile recycling bins across the island.
If you have lots of unwanted clothing, shoes, accessories, and household linens, you can arrange for a collection service (must be over 15kg), and Greensquare will collect them at your doorstep. If it’s damaged or unusable, it’s in with the general waste. Take note that there’s now a $3 fee for door-to-door collection.
Bed Linen: Donate if in good condition or repurpose as rags. Otherwise, general waste.
Clothing and textiles: Donate or sell if possible. If damaged, general waste.
Shoes: Donate to Greensquare if in good condition. General waste if damaged.
Recycling bulky items
Got bulky items like old furniture or a fridge that’s seen better days? Don’t just leave them at the curb—Singapore has convenient options for recycling these heavyweights! Many town councils offer free bulky item removal services, or you can arrange for collection by licensed waste collectors. If the item is still in good shape, consider donating it to charities or second-hand shops. Check for e-waste recycling programs for electronics like fridges that ensure safe disposal. Giving your bulky items a proper send-off clears space and keeps Singapore clean and green!
Fridges: Classified as bulky waste, so check in with your local town council or the public waste collector servicing your estate. You could also engage any licensed waste collector to provide the removal service. Otherwise, if it still works, you might want to consider reselling it on Cash Converters or list it on a secondhand site. There are also sites where you can give it away for free, such as YouSwop and Freecycle.
Furniture (Tables, Chairs, Beds, etc.): Classified as bulky waste. Arrange for collection or donate if in good condition.
Mattresses: Classified as bulky waste, so check in with your local town council or the public waste collector servicing your estate. You could also engage any licensed waste collector to provide the removal service.
Microwave Oven: Classified as bulky waste. Arrange for collection or donate if functional.
Washing Machines: Bulky waste. Arrange for collection through the town council or a licensed waste collector.
Recycling miscellaneous items
Books: Donate or sell where you can. Otherwise, these can be recycled in the Paper bin.
Beauty Products: Clean thoroughly and drop off at participating Origins stores.
Blister packs: Finished a strip of pills? Those blister packs need to go into the general waste.
Bric-a-brac: Donate if possible. Otherwise, general waste.
Bubble Wrap: NEA states it can be recycled with plastics.
Chopsticks (Disposable): General waste.
Cooking Oil: Solidify and dispose of in general waste. Avoid pouring down the sink.
Eyewear/Glasses: Visio Optical will accept donated old or new spectacles and sunglasses in usable condition. They will clean and prepare them for reuse by people in financial difficulty. Drop them off or post them to the store at 43 Holland Drive 01-67, Singapore 270043.
Foam (Expanded Polystyrene or EPS): General waste.
Food Scraps/Waste: General waste.
Garden waste (e.g., grass cuttings, prunings, weeds, etc.): For landed estates, you can bag and place it outside your unit on collection days.
Medicines: Some medicines can be disposed of at home (in the general waste, NOT flushed down the loo), while others (cancer medicine, vaccines, antibiotics, and products that can be misused) should be returned to the pharmacy. Check out the distinctions and information here.
Melamine Products: General waste.
Nappies: General waste.
Needles and Syringes: Never throw used syringes into the waste bin with the needles exposed. Put the cap back after use and place the needle into a bottle or container. When the container is nearly full, it should be covered and taped before disposal.
Pens and Pencils: If they are still in good working condition, see if you know anyone who can use them. Otherwise, used pens go to general waste.
Porcelain: Donate if in good condition. Otherwise, general waste.
Toothbrushes: General waste. Consider using bamboo toothbrushes.
Vacuum Cleaner Dust: General waste.
Vegetable Scraps: Compost if possible. Otherwise, general waste.
Wax Paper: General waste.
Tissue Paper and Paper Towels: General waste.
