300 Bins Placed Islandwide for the Collection of E-Waste

We’ve always had that ever-so-familiar dilemma—should we keep or toss those batteries? What about an unwanted laptop? Is it safe to throw away? What should the proper disposal method of electronic products be? 

Guess what? The National Environment Agency (NEA) has developed Singapore’s first nationwide electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) management system to help with this age-old problem. 

300 Bins Placed Islandwide for the Collection of E-Waste

This system begins on 1 July. It aims to make recycling e-waste more convenient while also making sure that e-waste is managed in an eco-friendly and sustainable way. 

This new management system will make sure that e-waste is treated and handled properly in order to protect both the environment and public health. 

E-waste is one of the priority waste streams that was identified under Singapore’s Zero Waste Masterplan. This new system is a part of Singapore’s shift towards becoming a Zero Waste Nation. 

If you’re wondering what exactly this new management system entails, here’s a list of what you can look forward to when it comes to managing your own e-waste: 

• Over 300 e-waste recycling bins at various public places 
• Quarterly collection drives at residential estates 
• The provision of bulky item disposal services by Town Councils for large household appliances 
• Complimentary one-for-one take-back of discarded end-of-life products of the same type provided by retailers upon delivery of a new product
• Over-the-counter collection services provided by retailers at selected outlets 
• On-demand (chargeable) doorstop collection services provided by ALBA E-Waste
• Drop off at ALBA E-Waste depot at 20 Tuas Loop, Singapore 637350

All the e-waste collected from these sources will be directed to authorised e-waste recyclers, which will then ensure that all data and information stored on devices is permanently erased or destroyed, so you won’t have to worry about security and privacy. 

NEA and ALBA E-Waste had earlier launched e-waste recycling bins at nine selected Dairy Farm Group and Harvey Norman outlets on 4 June 2021. 

As of 29 June, more than a tonne of e-waste has been collected. Items consist mainly of printers, mobile phones, light bulbs and computers. 

These e-waste recycling bins have had a positive reception, and members of the public can expect to see even more bins being placed in more locations such as town centres, shopping malls, government buildings, community centres, Residents’ Committee Centres, supermarkets and retail outlets.

So the next time you’re wondering what to do with your unwanted phone or laptop, fret not, for there are now so many ways to dispose of your electronic devices and at the same time, give them a new lease of life through recycling.

Featured Image: Facebook (Grace Fu)