contamination rate for blue recycling bins has remained at<\/span><\/a> about 40 per cent since 2017.<\/p>\n\u201cFor those who say it\u2019s a terrible idea, I am sure they don\u2019t mean to say that they are happy with the current unsightly and uncivilised situation where recycling efforts are undone,\u201d Mr Wang said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy not try something different and see what we can improve from there to make every recycling effort count?\u201d<\/p>\n
He believes this is possibly the first time residents in Singapore have asked the authorities to take away their public recycling bins.<\/p>\n
While the idea may seem novel in Singapore, a centralised recycling system mirrors practices in other places such as Japan, Taiwan and Thailand, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are a heritage neighbourhood meant to represent Singapore\u2019s history and culture,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another resident, Mr Alvin Yeo, who has lived in Tiong Bahru all his life, said the situation has worsened since the introduction of the blue bins, which have become rubbish bins for passers-by, businesses and residents.<\/p>\n
The realtor, who is in his 50s, recalled: \u201cWe used to have targeted doorstep collection on fixed days at the start, and that was very good for all involved.<\/p>\n
\u201cResidents who took part \u2013 and there were many \u2013 carefully sorted out, cleaned and packed their recyclables every two weeks for collection.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Foo Cexiang, the area\u2019s MP, told The Straits Times that a group of residents \u2013 represented by the residents\u2019 network chairman \u2013 had approached him in mid-2025 to highlight the misuse of recycling bins in the estate and request a different approach.<\/p>\n
Impressed by the residents\u2019 initiative, he put them in touch with the National Environment Agency (NEA) to get its support.<\/p>\n
In the following months, NEA, Tanjong Pagar Town Council, the estate\u2019s recycling operator Cora Environment and the residents worked together to develop the pilot, according to a March 24 Facebook post by Mr Foo.<\/p>\n
They also went around the neighbourhood to canvass support.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe aim is simple \u2013 to see if a more hands-on approach helps residents sort recyclables more effectively and reduces contamination,\u201d said Mr Foo, who plans to attend the first of the recycling drives. \u201cNone of us is sure if it will work, nor do we have all the answers at this point.\u201d<\/p>\n
He acknowledged that the removal of the recycling bins could discourage some from recycling due to the inconvenience involved.<\/p>\n
But more people could also be encouraged to recycle since there is greater visibility and assurance through the community recycling drives, he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we don\u2019t do anything, nothing will change. So I decided, let\u2019s try it out, and we will tweak along the way,\u201d Mr Foo said.<\/p>\n
To date, no resident has contacted him to object to the initiative.<\/p>\n
Part of the exercise will also involve monitoring the adequacy of green rubbish bins and whether they are filled more rapidly upon the removal of the blue bins, Mr Foo said.<\/p>\n
At the end of the exercise, the team will look at the recycling rates and resident feedback to gauge its effectiveness, he added.<\/p>\n
Currently, 16 residents are helping out in the initiative, said Mr Wang, many of whom decided to take action as they were upset by the sight of blue bins overflowing with rubbish.<\/p>\n
Among them is Ms Ann Gan, a missionary who was recently based in Japan, where she was impressed by recycling habits shaped by a combination of hefty fines for improper waste disposal, a well-integrated waste management system and community norms.<\/p>\n
\u201cRecycling as much as possible and loving nature are part of Japanese daily life,\u201d said the decades-long resident in her 50s.<\/p>\n
Realtor Michelle Tan joined the initiative as she felt the unsightly and unhygienic environment was setting a bad example for the next generation.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a mother of a young child, I want my child to grow up in a community that demonstrates proper care for the only planet that we have \u2013 through proper care of the neighbourhood he lives in,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
According to Mr Wang, the affected blue bins are those that serve pre-war and post-war Singapore Improvement Trust flats in Tiong Bahru Road, Tiong Poh Road, Seng Poh Road, Eng Hoon Street, Eng Watt Street, Chay Yan Street, Yong Siak Street, Moh Guan Terrace and Lim Liak Street.<\/p>\n
The pilot will end on June 27.<\/p>\n
ST has contacted NEA and Cora Environment for comment. <\/p>\n