We all know of recycling plastic bottles, aluminium cans and paper – the bins are all around Singapore. However, there’s more to recycling in Singapore than that. In light of Earth Day, here are some interesting things you can recycle in Singapore, and how to go about it.
Running Shoes
Before you make a run for the bin with your used running shoes, consider taking a step back and recycling them instead. ActiveSG Circle has an ongoing nationwide recycling program for your used running shoes. This initiative turns your shoes into material used for jogging tracks, playgrounds and more – truly the circle of life. They accept a wide range of shoes such as sport shoes, school shoes and even rubberised slippers: just make sure your shoes have no metal studs or parts and you’re good to go! Collection points are available all across Singapore in various locations such as ActiveSG Sports Centres, community centres and even Decathlon outlets.
More information here
Contact Lens Blisters
Yes, those tiny packets that hold your contact lens can be recycled too – so don’t be throwing those out after putting your contacts on just yet. Project 2×2 is an ongoing recycling initiative by Two Of A Kind, a subscription-based contact lens company. Fear not – Project 2×2 accepts all kinds of blisters, even those not by Two Of A Kind’s! Their process is easy as 1, 2, 3: sign-up for Project 2×2, mail or drop off your blisters in their envelopes provided, and Two Of A Kind will sort and process your blisters for recycling.
More information here
Skincare empties
In case you’re out of the loop, the ever-popular Innisfree does have a recycling programme. Their Empty Bottle Recycling Campaign is simple: just return a maximum of 3 Innisfree bottles to any of their stores (earning some Innisfree points in the process) for recycling!
For non-Innisfree users, you can turn to L’Occitane: they accept empty product bottles from any beauty brand. Just head to any of these L’Occitane outlets at ION Orchard, Vivocity and Plaza Singapore to drop off your empties, and receive a stamp for every accepted empty.
More information about Innisfree’s programme here
More information about L’Occitane’s programme here
Clothes
If you’re wondering what else you can do with your clothes other than donating them, selling them second-hand or just throwing them away, here’s your answer. Several fashion stores in Singapore such as H&M and Zara do accept clothes for recycling. Drop off clothes from any brand, any condition at H&M outlets under their Garment Collecting Programme, and even receive vouchers for doing so!
More information about H&M’s programme here
More information about Zara’s programme here
E-waste
E-waste recycling bins are slightly less common than your regular plastic-paper-metal-glass bins you see, but they’ve been popping up more and more around Singapore. Often found in community centres, shopping malls and other common areas, these green bins are suitable for items as small as mobile phones and as large as answering machines. More recently, NEA has also rolled out hundreds of e-waste bins where you can stand a chance to earn points to be redeemed for shopping vouchers. It’s a win-win, really.
More information about NEA’s newest scheme here
