We appreciate the thoughtful suggestions of Forum writers Gabriel Chia (

Improve recycling by moving beyond symbolic bins

, Aug 27) and Tuan Ming Lee ( Recycling needs tough love and a cultural shift, Aug 29).

We agree that effective recycling starts with the right mindset and robust systems. Everyone needs to view recycling as a shared responsibility and adopt good recycling habits.

Over the years, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has developed educational and user-friendly content under the Recycle Right Campaign to promote good recycling practices.

To help households identify recyclables easily, refreshed recycling labels, co-created with the public, have been deployed across all blue recycling bins and chutes.

Tools such as the Recycle Right AI Chatbot support instant recycling guidance through text and image queries. Through partnerships with schools, community groups and non-governmental organisations, recycling information has been made accessible within neighbourhoods to audiences across age groups.

We also believe in nurturing good recycling habits from a young age. Education on recycling practices is integrated into school curricula to encourage students to view recycling as a shared responsibility.

Beyond education, NEA continues to partner with the community and businesses to increase recycling efforts. NEA supported the industry-led Alliance for Action to develop guidelines on sustainable e-commerce packaging.

NEA is also looking to strengthen support for paper recycling, working together with waste collectors, recycling companies, and the community. 

Since March 2024, all new large commercial and industrial food waste generators have been required to segregate, treat, and report their food waste.

In 20 26 , we will also be introducing the beverage container return scheme to encourage the public to return used metal and plastic beverage containers for recycling.

With the right mindset, education, and systems in place, we can build a more sustainable Singapore together.

Pierre Ng 

Director, Sustainability Division National Environment Agency

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