Around 84 paper recycling bins in S'pore to be removed by Nov. 1, 2025 due to lack of sponsors

Ever used these paper recycling bins around your neighbourhood in exchange for some cash?

They'll soon be gone by the end of the month.

The bins by SG Recycle were first rolled out across Singapore HDB estates in end-2021, and accept paper in the form of general scraps, letters, books, corrugated cardboard, magazines, and newspapers.

In return, users will receive six points in their digital wallets for every 1kg of paper deposited.

For every 1,000 points accumulated, the user can redeem S$10 via PayNow, PayLah! or bank transfer.

A Mothership reader who has accumulated a total of 1,680 points shared that this conversion rate was eventually reduced to three points per kg of paper.

He also surfaced concerns about the remaining 600 points he had remaining.

Programme has been self-funded

In response to queries from Mothership, SG Recycle shared the announcement was made on Oct. 1 to wind down its paper recycling programme in Singapore.

All active paper recycling bins, currently numbering at 84, will be removed by Nov. 1.

SG Recycle shared that they have already removed several bins from the heartland areas at the request of town councils.

When Mothership went down to check out a bin at 311C Clementi Ave 4, there was a notice on the bin informing users of the its impending removal.

The bin's display states that it is "full", preventing users from depositing any more paper.

As the programme has been entirely self-funded, sustaining it requires long-term sponsorships and partnerships.

"Due to the lack of new sponsors, SG Recycle is unable to continue operating the paper recycling program at its current scale," the company said.

To ensure users can still redeem their monetary rewards, SG Recycle will allow users with 100 points or more to submit their redemption requests through the SG Recycle app up till end-December.

Those with less than 100 points will have until end-October to make deposits and clock the minimum number of points for redemption.

Redemptions will be processed within four weeks of submission, up till end-January 2026.

As for the reduction in the rewards scheme to three points per kg of paper, SG Recycle added that this was due to a decrease in the cost of paper take back for recycling.

Focus on other recycling services

SG Recycle added that they will continue to focus on their core global services, such as partnering with public waste collectors in Singapore to customise and deploy smart recycling infrastructure.

This also includes producing and deploying reverse vending machines to support deposit return schemes.

It thanked its users and community partners who have supported the programme over the years.

"Your contributions have made a difference to Singapore’s recycling journey."

The company also urged users to support its 800 Super’s Recycle Right programme.

Under this, smart recycling boxes were installed in Ang Mo Kio, Serangoon North, Potong Pasir and Braddell Heights, where residents can recycle metal, plastic, paper, glass and old clothes in return for points which can be redeemed for supermarket vouchers.

Top photo from Ashley Tan and SG Recycle/FB