Still wondering where to throw that old kettle? Don't put it in the bin – recycle it or get some cash!
Hey, did you know that e-waste isn’t just about old gadgets? It’s like a treasure trove of electrical stuff, but tossing it all in the bin is a no-go! Fear not! We’ve got some cool tricks to help you sort through the tech chaos and recycle like a pro in Singapore! Let’s turn trash into treasure, one light bulb at a time!
Got a working appliance you’re ready to part ways with? Cash Converters is your go-to spot for a sale, but if patience isn’t your strong suit, hop online! eBay, Carousell, ST Classified, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are all buzzing with potential buyers. Feeling generous? Spread the love on Pass it On, YouSwop, or Freecycle, or make a charitable donation to the Salvation Army. Need more options? Check out NEA’s website or grab the One Map app for e-waste drop-off points on the fly!
Where to recycle e-waste in Singapore
Fun fact: Since 1992, Singapore’s been serious about battery pollution! Buy a battery here, and you’re golden — just toss it in the bin! Those pesky pollutants? Sorted at waste-to-energy incineration plants! Looking to recycle your phone and laptop batteries? Keep reading!
Click below to read more:
Recycling small to medium electronic appliances
Small household appliances, gaming consoles, audio systems, power supplies etc
Lamp recycling
Cash for trash
Removing bulky items
Recycling small to medium electronic appliances
Computers and computer accessories, cartridges, and mobile phones
Note: Remember to erase all your data before recycling!
1. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) e-waste management initiative
What: NEA launched an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) e-waste management initiative in July 2021 to help consumers dispose of unwanted electrical products correctly. This includes all regulated consumer products (see here if you’re not sure what falls under this list), ICT equipment, batteries and lamps.
How: You can search here to find one of the collection bins available; you’ll see that there are different icons to help you identify which site collects which type of waste, so make sure you check first! Note that devices must be able to fit through a 500mm x 250mm slot, too. As well as the collection bins, quarterly collection drives will also take place to allow you to dispose of your e-waste.
2. StarHub
What: Phones, modems, routers, li-ion batteries and charging cables
How: E-waste recycling bins are available at StarHub shops in Plaza Singapura and Tampines Mall. In addition, if you’re buying a product from StarHub, you can dispose of old devices of the same class or type and quantity. For example, if you’re buying a new StarHub Smart WiFi Pro router, you can give back your old, unwanted WiFi router. See StarHub’s website for more details.
3. Dell’s Free Consumer Takeback Services
What: PCs and laptops, computer accessories, ink and toners (PSST: They don’t need to be Dell!).
How: Complete the online process by selecting your product, completing the online application form, and arranging a collection – easy peasy!
4. HP Planet Partners Programme
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 out the product take-back form, and follow the instructions.
5. The Canon Recycling Programme
What: Canon ink and toner cartridges
How: You can return used ink and toner cartridges to Canon customer care centres.
6. PC Dreams
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.
Small household appliances, gaming consoles, audio systems, power supplies etc
1. Virogreen NECDC E-waste Recycling Programme for Non-regulated E-waste
What: If you’re looking to recycle items such as small household appliances, gaming consoles, audio systems, power supplies etc., then these classify as non-regulated products, which are covered under a different scheme. If you’re based in the North/East, then the most convenient is the Virogreen scheme.
How: Use the map to identify the correct collection bin location (in this case, purple), or check out the list here.
2. Shell-Metalo E-waste Recycling Programme for Non-regulated E-waste
What: Like the Virogreen scheme, the Shell-Metalo e-waste programme includes the same items as listed under the non-regulated category; the only difference is the location.
How: You can drop items at Shell petrol kiosks located on the map using the yellow icon.
Lamp and light bulb recycling
Quick heads up: fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have a hint of mercury, so skip the blue bins! But fear not! We’ve got the scoop on where to recycle them hassle-free. Let’s keep those mercury traces in check.
1. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) e-waste management initiative – (yes, they take lamps too!)
What: As well as covering a number of small appliances, batteries and computers, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) e-waste management initiative also includes lamps!
How: You can search here to find one of the collection bins available, look for the blue or green bins for lamp recycling.
2. 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: 317 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159965 and 60 Tampines North Drive 2, Singapore 528764
Cash for trash
Have you ever spotted individuals with trolleys stacked high with cardboard? They’re the legendary karang guni (rag-and-bone) men. They’re on a mission to recycle everything from cardboard to old appliances. Keep an eye out for the truck-toting ones (just listen for the unmistakable horn at your HDB estate), and you might score a deal on that old fridge or TV. Alternatively, swing by your nearest Cash-for-Trash station for an even better deal during their weekly or monthly collection periods.
1. 800 Super Waste Management Pte Ltd
Where: Various locations in Pasir Ris-Bedok and Ang Mo Kio-Toa Payoh
How: Check out the website for more details, and here for the schedule.
2. Sembwaste Pte Ltd
Where: City-Punggol, Clementi-Bukit Merah and Woodlands
How: Sembwaste Pte Ltd covers the above districts – you can look here for the schedule for collections.
3. ALBA W&H Smart City Pte Ltd
Where: Jurong
How: See this site for the cash for trash schedule in Jurong.
Removing bulky items
If you live in an HDB flat, you can call up your Town Council, which will usually provide free removal service of three bulky items per month. 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.
1. 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
2. ALS Movers
Great for last-minute waste removal
What: Pretty much anything.
How: Contact them to receive a quote.
Where: North Spring Bizhub, No. 5 Yishun Industrial Street 1, #04-19, Singapore 768161, p. 6255 2107/08, e. [email protected]
Is this guide to recycling e-waste useful? Check out our A-Z of recycling in Singapore!
This article was originally written by Sheralyn Loh in 2017 and updated by Jay Panicker in 2024.
