Singapore has recycled over 34,000 tonnes of e-waste since 2021

A 2018 study found that more than 60,000 tonnes of e-waste were generated in Singapore each year, and only 6 per cent of that amount was recycled. 

E-waste contains heavy metals and hazardous substances that, if improperly disposed of, can harm public health and contaminate the environment, said Dr Janil at Bedok Town Square on Oct 12. 

Old batteries, laptops and refrigerators are a treasure trove of metals and other materials that can be recycled, to reduce digging up the earth for raw metals.

In 2021, the National Environment Agency (NEA) appointed Alba to collect regulated consumer e-waste across Singapore and send it for recycling on behalf of producers. 

This programme is funded by local firms that supply, manufacture and import electronics here.

Alba’s e-waste collection points are located in places such as shopping malls, electronic retail stores, supermarkets and community centres. It has four types of bins, including one that accepts only household batteries, as well as drop-off services in supermarkets. 

Acting on user feedback, the Alba Step Up app now has a bin-locator feature to help users find the nearest e-waste collection point. The app’s display and layout have also been improved to make them more user-friendly.

Since January, the scheme has included a free pick-up service from homes for bulky appliances like refrigerators, washing machines and air-conditioners.

In the past year, large household appliances made up the majority of the e-waste collected, with the highest volume recycled being air-conditioners. This was followed by information and communications technology equipment and portable batteries, said Alba. 

Mr Lambsdorff added that smaller items such as adaptors, portable chargers and batteries – critical for recovering valuable raw materials – remain under-collected. 

He noted that lithium-ion batteries can pose significant fire and safety risks when disposed of with general waste or in the blue recycling bin.

Fluorescent tubes and light bulbs are often thrown into the trash despite containing trace amounts of mercury that need to be carefully treated, he said. Increasing the collection of these lighting items is crucial to prevent environmental contamination and ensure their safe recycling.

Some people are also inclined to keep their old mobile phones and laptops due to fears about data security. 

“Convenience, accessibility and education must go hand in hand, alongside reassuring the public that proper recycling ensures secure and responsible handling of their devices,” said Mr Lambsdorff, urging more residents to recycle their old devices.

Dr Janil said managing waste requires active participation from everyone – from purchasing mindfully to using devices to their full lifespan and recycling responsibly. 

Over 80 schools, from pre-schools to tertiary institutions, are taking part in a nationwide challenge to encourage students to recycle batteries. 

As at July 1, more than 338kg of batteries have been collected through the competition, which ends in February 2026.

At Bedok Green Primary School, pupils are engaging their parents in the competition. 

Primary 5 pupil Basyeerah Muhammad Muzzammil said the competition made her think twice before throwing away her electronic devices. 

The 11-year-old said: “My father told me, instead of throwing my calculator away, ‘Why don’t you collect this battery, then we’ll recycle it later.’”

Correction note: An earlier version of the story incorrectly stated there would be 1,015 e-waste collection points islandwide by mid-2026. Alba E-Waste Smart Recycling has since clarified that there will be 1,057 collection points.

Note: This article was written by Shabana Begum and Koh Ming Lun and first appeared in The Straits Times on 12 October 2025.

Source: The Straits Times