5 Easy Ways To Recycle In Singapore

DONATE TO SALVATION ARMY BOOTHS & FAMILY STORES

Ask anyone where to donate your pre-loved items and they’ll likely tell you the Salvation Army ­– which attests to their reliability as one of Singapore’s most well-known solutions to recycling. Their main location at Upper Bukit Timah is essentially a thrift store providing everything from clothing to furniture for the less privileged, but you can drop off your new or pre-used goods at any one of their Donation In Kind booths or drop by their Family Stores found all over the island.

Salvation Army, various locations, www.salvationarmy.org/singapore/red_shield_industries

Also donate to: New2U Thrift Shop, 301 Thrift Mart, Pass It On, Blessings In A Bag

MAKE FULL USE OF THE BLUE BINS

Since the launch of this National Recycling Programme (NRP) by the National Environment Agency (NEA) in Singapore, these blue bins can be seen in all public and private housing estates. The NRP adopts a collection system in which paper, plastic, glass and metal recyclables are deposited into the same blue recycling bin for collection by the public or private waste collectors. For Housing Development Board (public) estates, commingled blue recycling bins are placed at open areas that are convenient and accessible for residents. For private landed estates, a commingled blue recycling bin, in addition to the refuse green bin, is provided to each house. For more information on what can be recycled, click HERE.

National Recycling Programme, www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/waste-management/3r-programmes-and-resources/national-recycling-programme

SWAP YOUR FASHIONABLE OUTFITS

The Fashion Pulpit is Singapore's first fashion space to swap, upcycle, tailor, and learn fashion tricks. Here, you can promote sustainability without compromising on style. How does it work? Simple. Bring your items that are in good condition and sign up as a member to exchange them for points to swap for items you want! Membership ranges from 1 month (SG$88), 3 months (SG$208), or 6 months (SG$358). Not sure if you're ready to commit? Then subscribe to a one-time swap at SG$35. For more information on their upcycling, tailoring, and workshops/activities, click HERE.

The Fashion Pulpit, 177 River Valley Rd, #02-08 Liang Court, Singapore 179030, holler@thefashionpulpit.com, www.thefashionpulpit.com

Also swap at: Swapaholic

MAKE DIY CRAFTS FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS

What better way to spend time with the kiddos and teach them the importance of recycling at the same time by using all your trash and transform them into works of art? Not only will this lighten the load on your pockets, but it will also develop the creativity of your little one and show them that things that we deem as trash and throw away without thinking can actually have a second life!

Check out these online resources for recycled craft ideas:

Crafting A Green World 

Makezine: Craft

How Can I Recycle This?

MSF Parenting Resources 

PBS Crafts for Kids

START THE RECYCLING PROCESS AT HOME

The best place to start your recycling process is at home! Use different bins, color-code, set up house recycling rules and procedures, get the kids involved - these are some way you can kickstart your recycling plan. By far our fav fuss-free and affordable sorting bin is from IKEA - the Sortera waste sorting bin with lid. Not only are they light-weight, but also stackable, which helps to save space at home. The most important thing to note when sorting is to ensure that all items are dry.

Here are some guidelines to help you efficiently sort your waste:

Plastics: Not all can be recycled. Click HERE for more information.

Glass: Empty and remove caps/lids

Canned food and drinks: Empty and dry Paper and cardboard: Remove all masking tape. All wrapping paper must not have stickers, glitter or other pasted-on decorations.

Tetrapaks: Cut open, remove plastic lid (if any), wash and dry.

Food Waste: Learn about food composting from Composting In Singapore (CIS) HERE!