S'pore to offer free doorstep collection of bulky e-waste from 2025

Recycling is to become more convenient.

Natalie Ong

October 14, 2024, 01:00 PM

Residents in Singapore can look forward to a free doorstep collection service for bulky e-waste items, such as refrigerators, washing machines and televisions, starting in 2025.

Provided by ALBA, which is the producer responsibility scheme (PRS) operator appointed by the National Environment Agency (NEA), this service is conceived to make recycling more convenient for residents and encourage greater participation, shared Senior Minister of State Amy Khor on Oct. 13.

The new initiative will complement current e-waste recycling collection methods in Singapore, namely, the retailers' one-for-one takeback scheme and the town councils' bulky waste removal service.

What is the extended producer responsibility scheme?

NEA first introduced the extended producer responsibility (ERP) scheme for e-waste in 2021, which requires producers to bear the responsibility for the collection and treatment of their products when they reach end-of-life.

This scheme is part of broader efforts to encourage recycling in Singapore, and helps to close the loop in a circular economy by reducing improper disposal and avoiding traditional incineration methods.

Screenshot from Zero Waste Masterplan Singapore/Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment

Khor, who was speaking at an event at Westgate mall to celebrate International E-Waste Day, highlighted the encouraging increase in e-waste recycling.

Citing how the total amount of e-waste collected has increased steadily from 3,500 tonnes in February 2022 to more than 22,300 tonnes as of September 2024, it was noted that collection points islandwide have increased from 300 to 870 points.

These points are located across electronics stores, shopping malls, supermarkets, community centres and offices.

Data privacy amongst recycling concerns

One of the key concerns behind e-waste recycling involve around data security.

Khor shared that it was "understandable" as one's personal devices "tend to store much confidential and personal information".

Acknowledging these issues, Khor added that it is required by law in Singapore, that all data-bearing devices have to undergo data sanitisation and physical dismantling prior to being recycled.

Backing up and logging out of personal accounts, removing the SIM card and performing a factory reset to remove all data are also actions that individuals can take to assure themselves, she added.