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Recycling in Singapore


Today during consumer behaviour class, there was a major discussion on the issue of RECYCLING. So why doesn't the government implement recycling in Singapore?

Well, here are some of my views, including some of which were raised in class...

1) The awareness of recycling is low.
Few understand the importance of it or even realize the benefits that will result from recycling.

2) Knowledge of recycling is low in certain market segments. Those who underwent proper education would probably understand how to separate metals from plastics from paper. But how about the older generation who doesn't know which is which? Even if they have the knowledge, they do not understand the method of recycling. For example, the "paper" segment doesn't mean that one can just throw their used tissue paper in. Also, for "plastics" those containers with food in them should be emptied out before recycling. But consumers do not know these factors involved.

3) Inconvenience.
It is just too much trouble to separate the trash at home or even when you reach a recycling stop. More trouble lies at home, where it is more convenient to throw everything into one dustbin.

4) There is no immediate benefit to recycling.
There is no direct incentive to motivate consumers to recycle.

5) Singapore is still not developed enough?
Okay, this point is debatable. I use the example of the Scandinavian countries where I had my exchange in (Copenhagen to be exact). And I realized that recycling takes a lot of effort and resources. So in my opinion, only when a country is wealthy or very stable in its economy, it is then able to allocate significant resources and focus on other issues.

Recommendations

1) Provide small incentives
(monetary or perceived value). For example in Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen, when we buy a drink and when the contents are finished, we can place these empty plastic cups at recycling points where we will be given a small amount of money (5 Kr) for returning it. Also, for mineral water and certain soft drink bottles, when you return these bottles at recycling points, you will get some money back.

2) Educate the public
. Education can come in the form of an awareness campaign or formal education to the younger generation. CIP hours can be increased and emphasize the importance of recycling. Schools and other organizations should chip in efforts to promote recycling.

3) More recycling points could be provided.
In HDB flats, the common rubbish chute could probably also have a recycling point where people can separate their rubbish.

4) However, point 3 cannot be done if recycling doesn't start from home. It has been a norm in Singapore that we only have various dustbins (with only one opening) at home, and it is more convenient to throw everything into one. People with this habit would have little motivation to separate the rubbish when they reach the recycling points (Doesn't make sense to dig into the rubbish and throw the respective material into the different bins). Therefore my suggestion is to develop a custom rubbish bin (meant for home-use) that segments into compartments to enable separate disposable of various items. When rubbish has been separated from home, it is then easier to dispose of at the various recycling points.

What are your views? =)

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