This publication investigates the potential of implementing waste segregation at source initiatives in Singapore, building upon existing research and the findings of pilot projects.
Since November 2023, Zero Waste SG (ZWSG) and its partners have carried out two pilots of different modalities and for different target audiences, to understand the advantages and limitations of locally applying the concept of waste segregation at source.
The first pilot was a recycling hub at MUJI’s outlet at Plaza Singapura, which focused on encouraging clean stream and closed loop recycling for textile, PET, and PP plastic.
This was done by using clear deposit instructions, setting aside space on the shop floor for the recycling corner, and educating staff. The results from the first seven months of collection indicated high customer participation in recycling, with 1,083 kg of textiles and 46.22 kg of PET bottles collected. Notably, low contamination rates of 0-2 per cent for PET and an estimated 0.5-1 per cent for textiles were also achieved.
The second pilot, a door-to-door recyclables collection for senior residents in Mei Ling Street, assessed the impact of customised service delivery coupled with education on sorting and recycling behaviours.
The pilot saw a participation rate of more than 50 per cent, collecting a combined weight of 857 kg of sorted and recyclable paper, plastic, metal and glass. Not only that, an impressive 82 per cent of collected recyclables were completely clean by the final and sixth session, demonstrating the effectiveness of the pilot in improving sorting practices. Respondents were also polled for their views on levers to encourage recycling, with education coming out as the most commonly cited lever.
Despite the different modalities, it is clear that sorting at source works in Singapore, with different segments of the population willing to recycle and recycle right through waste segregation. To implement waste segregation successfully in Singapore, the following policy recommendations can be considered:
- Standardised labelling across consumer goods and public recycling points to eliminate confusion and ensure residents understand what materials are recyclable.
- Financial motivations, such as deposit refund schemes, to encourage participation by offering tangible levers for recycling to cultivate life-long habits.
- Extended producer responsibility (EPR) to incentivise producers to design eco-friendly packaging and participate in collection and recycling programmes, thereby improving the circularity of materials.
Finally, public communication strategies should focus on educating residents about proper sorting techniques. Raising awareness on closed-loop recycling, which is facilitated by sorting it out early, gives public assurance and fosters industry collaboration to develop a robust recycling ecosystem.
To donate to Zero Waste SG’s advocacy campaign, Sort it Out, please go to: https://give.asia/campaign/sort-it-out#/story
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