‘Messy, unhygienic’: Blue recycling bins in Tiong Bahru to be removed for almost 3 months at residents’ request, Singapore News

Speaking to The Straits Times, architect Kelvin Wang, who is helping to coordinate the initiative, said that residents took action after seeing the deterioration of their living environment.

“We are a heritage neighbourhood meant to represent Singapore’s history and culture.

“We cannot have an environment that is so messy and unhygienic, depending only on our already hard-working town council cleaners to keep picking up after litterbugs,” he said. 

Encouraged by the residents’ initiative, Foo got in touch with NEA to get their support in piloting the “different approach”, and brought in Cora Environment, the recycling operator of the estate.

Foo said that the fortnightly recycling collections will be held at Tiong Bahru Community Centre, which he promised to be an “interesting and vibrant affair”.

“The aim is simple — to see if a more hands-on approach helps residents sort recyclables more effectively and reduces contamination,” he said.

“None of us are sure if it will work, nor do we have all the answers at this point.”

He said that some residents have also expressed their concerns that the removal of recycling bins may inconvenience those who use them.

But Foo added that they are “committed” to learn from the pilot initiative by gathering feedback and making improvements.

In an Instagram post on March 15, Love Tiong Bahru stated that their long-term goal is to introduce permanent, clearly labelled sorting bins around the estate to make recycling easier and more effective.

“Participation is voluntary,” they said. “The project is simply an effort by neighbours to see whether we can build better recycling habits together and keep our neighbourhood clean.”

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chingshijie@asiaone.com