Still wondering where to throw that old kettle? Don't put it in the bin – recycle it or get some cash!
E-waste is any electrical or electronic equipment powered by an electrical source (e.g. from a power socket or a battery). Although the definition of e-waste is pretty broad, the composition of appliances differ and many items contain toxic materials, so we can’t just chuck them all in the bin. Instead, we’ve found ways to make sorting through the recycling at home a little easier by rounding up some feasible solutions to recycle appliances, light bulbs and bulky items in Singapore.
If your appliance still works, you can try to resell it at Cash Converters, the largest second-hand goods dealer in Singapore (if you don’t mind the waiting time). Alternatively, you can put up a listing on eBay, Carousell, ST Classified, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree. Or, spread some goodwill and give it away through sites like Pass it On, YouSwop and Freecycle (psst, the Salvation Army is always accepting donations). For a full list of recycling points and their locations, check out NEA’s website or download the app One Map to get e-waste and recycling locations on the go.
Where to recycle e-waste in Singapore
But first, did you know?
Since 1992, Singapore has imposed restrictions on the sale of batteries exceeding the stipulated mercury content. That means any battery you buy here can go straight in the bin and the pollutants will be eliminated at the waste-to-energy incineration plants. Read on for how to recycle your phone and laptop batteries…
RECYCLING SMALL-TO-MEDIUM APPLIANCES
Mobile phones, computers and computer accessories, cables (Remember to erase all your data before recycling!)
RENEW
REcycling Nation’s Electronic Waste is a collaborative effort between DHL, StarHub and TES-AMM to dispose of e-waste.
What: Phones, computers, computer accessories, DVD players, MP3 players, VCRs, remotes, cables, plugs, electronic toys, lithium-ion batteries. Household appliances are not accepted.
How: Just drop your appliances into one of 325 green RENEW bins (pictured above) at 274 locations. All deposits must be within the dimensions 47cm x 12 cm, so it can fit through the slot.
Refer to StarHub’s website for the full list of accepted appliances and the nearest bin.
Dell’s Free Consumer Takeback Services
No takebacks? Not Dell.
What: Dell products (eg desktop and laptop PCs, printers, laptop batteries)
How: Fill in this online form for computer products or this form for Dell ink and toners and package your products to be returned in a cardboard box. Then simply wait for the courier to pick it up.
ReCYCLE Singtel’s E-Waste Recycling Programme
Mail your e-waste away.
What: Any brand of phone or accessory with no resale value.
How: Ask for the special ReCYCLE envelope from any Singtel or Singpost and mail your recyclables or drop it into the collection bins found in selected stores.
Refer to ReCYCLE’s website for a list of locations
M1 Drop-off Point Programme
Drop off your e-waste
What: The slot is slightly bigger than RENEW bins so most appliances can fit through the slot, including laptops, mobile phones, chargers, cables, etc. There’s a special slot on the bin for SIM cards and memory cards.
How: Drop your e-waste off at any of the seven M1 e-waste bins
E-waste Recycling @ North East
Head North (East)
What: Most electrical and electronic items that fit through the deposit slot, including laptops, mobile phones, chargers and cables.
How: Drop your e-waste off at any of the bins in the North East District
HP Planet Partners Programme
Turn old computers into the next new thing.
What: HP and non-HP equipment (if replaced by HP equipment) and HP supplies (printer ink and toner).
How: Sign up for an account, fill in the product take-back form and follow the instructions.
Project Homecoming – Joint-Brand Ink & Toner Cartridge Recycling Programme
Hi-five to Brother, Canon, Dell, EPSON and Lexmark for being responsible about cartridge waste!
What: ALL ink and toner cartridges, regardless of brand.
How: Just drop your used ink and toner cartridges (of any brand) in collection boxes located at selected libraries island-wide.
PC Dreams
Trade-in or buy pre-loved electronics
What: PC dreams takes in your pre-owned / demo / display and refurbished laptops and other portable electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets
How: Walk-in for showrooms or submit your query via the online form.
Punggol Eco-Drive
Open to Punggol North residents only.
What: Any electronic or electrical device that fits through the deposit slot.
How: Just drop your device through the slot at any of the designated locations
LAMP RECYCLING
In case you didn’t know, there are trace amounts of mercury found within fluorescent lamps and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). So putting them in recycling bins is a definite no-no. Here’s where you can recycle them.
Global Lamp Recyclers
The only local company that can safely extract mercury from light bulbs (Incandescent, Halogen, LED and compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs).
Residential collection points (open to residents only):
North-east: Punggol East, Punggol South, Punggol North, Tampines Central, Tampines East.
South-east: Community centres and residents’ committees
Click through the website to see if there’s a recycling point in your neighbourhood
Or leave your light bulbs at any of these lighting stores:
- New Sound Electrical, 1 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-4526, Singapore 150001
- Everyday Lights, 717 Yishun St 71, #01-319, Singapore 760717
- B&L Light Bath Pte Ltd, No. 6 Ubi Road, 1 Wintech Centre #01-12, Singapore 408726
- Three Cubes, 55 Siglap Road, #01-06, Siglap Centre, Singapore 455871
IKEA
In addition to letting you test your light bulbs, IKEA’s a pretty nifty place to do your recycling!
What: Light bulbs and fluorescent tubes, removal of fridge or mattress when you purchase a replacement from them.
How: Just drop off your light bulbs at the Lighting Department of any IKEA store.
Tip: You can also ask for removal when you purchase a new fridge or mattress from IKEA!
Where: Alexandra, 317 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159965; Tampines, 60 Tampines North Drive 2, Singapore 528764
CASH FOR TRASH
Anything and everything.
Ever wondered about those uncles wheeling around trolleys piled with cardboard? They’re karang guni (rag-and-bone) men who collect cardboard and sell it to recycling centres. Some buy newspapers and even old electrical appliances. If you see one driving a truck (you can’t miss his horn!), wave him down to see if he’ll take your old fridge or TV. Or try to get a better price at Cash for Trash during the weekly to monthly collection periods.
Colex
Providing a solution for e-waste
What: Cash for trash (Recycling and small appliances)
How: Go for on-the-spot valuations at stations open 7.30am to 1pm every Sunday in various locations around Jurong.
Jurong Town Council
Recycling in the west
What: Cash for trash (Recycling and small appliances)
How: Every Sunday 8am to 1pm at Bukit Batok, Bukit Batok East, Jurong Central, Jurong Spring, Taman Jurong, Yuhua
Click here for a full map of Cash-for-Trash stations around Singapore.
REMOVING BULKY ITEMS
If even the rag and bone man doesn’t want it, here’s who to turn to:
If you live in an HDB flat, you can call up your Town Council, who will usually provide a free removal service of three bulky items per month. And, if you live in a condo, you can contact your building management to see if it provides free disposal services for bulky items or a disposal area to leave your e-waste.
And if all else fails, you can always pay someone to come and take your old junk away….
Tidy
Clear out your kitchen with their help
What: Refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, dryers, old cookers/gas stoves, gas cylinders, dishwashers, freezers, TVs.
How: Call Tidy, or self-dispose your bulky items at its premises.
Where: 29 Tuas Ave 8, Singapore 639244
ALS Movers
Great for last-minute waste removal
What: Pretty much anything.
How: Contact them to receive a quote.
Where: No. 5 Yishun Industrial Street 1, #04-19 North Spring Bizhub Singapore 768161, p. 6255 2107/08, e. [email protected]
Found this guide to recycling e-waste useful? Check out our A-Z of recycling in Singapore!
