By George George Idowu
After a successful trial in Bishan East-Sin Ming, Singapore, the smart recycling system introduced by local waste management company 800 Super is set to expand to 83 more locations by 2025.
This system, designed to reduce contamination rates of recyclables, has shown significant promise during its pilot phase.
The initiative, which began in April 2022 at 10 locations in Bishan East-Sin Ming, utilizes smart recycling boxes and lockers to collect various recyclables and food waste.
The smart boxes accept paper, plastic, aluminum, glass, metal cans, and clothing, awarding points to residents for depositing these items separately. These points can be exchanged for FairPrice vouchers via an app.
Additionally, a food waste recycling locker allows residents to dispose of food scraps like fruit peels and meat trimmings in airtight containers, which are then weighed before placement in the locker.
As of May, approximately 2,000 users have registered for the system. Despite some technical issues, such as faulty display screens and maintenance downtimes, the trial has achieved a notable reduction in the contamination rate of recyclables to 10%, well below the national average of 40%.
Mr. Milton Ng, Chief Operating Officer of 800 Super, acknowledged the initial technical challenges but remains optimistic.
“It was a lot of trial and error because of issues with system integration… We had challenges in terms of capturing the data and also issuing points to the participants,” he said.
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Residents, despite facing occasional difficulties with the app and maintenance issues, have shown a willingness to continue participating in the program. Theatre practitioner Jeremy Leong, 29, emphasized the importance of taking ownership of recycling beyond incentives.
Retiree Chan Jin Keow echoed this sentiment, stating her commitment to environmental efforts regardless of the rewards.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) reported stagnation in the household recycling rate at 12% in 2023, despite an increase in the number of households that recycle.
This highlights the need for more effective recycling systems like the one introduced by 800 Super.
Executive Director of Zero Waste SG, Ms. Tan Huileng, praised the initiative for encouraging waste segregation at the source. She believes that such practices can lead to more mindful waste management and a reduction in contamination rates.
However, a poll by Zero Waste SG indicated that nearly 60% of respondents were skeptical about the effectiveness of waste segregation in increasing recycling rates.
Mr. Cheang Kok Chung, Executive Director of the Singapore Environment Council, stressed the importance of encouraging smart recycling initiatives despite the higher costs and effort required for pre-sorting by households.
He believes that improved recycling results with low contamination make the additional expense and effort worthwhile.
With plans to install the smart recycling boxes at new locations in selected regions, 800 Super aims to significantly boost Singapore’s domestic recycling rates.
On average, the company collects about 10 tonnes of recyclables and 1,700kg of food waste each month from the existing 10 locations. As the system expands, it holds the potential to make a substantial impact on the nation’s recycling efforts.
