SINGAPORE - A new recycling programme organised by Singapore Post and telco Singtel aims to make it easier for consumers to recycle their unwanted electronics by mailing them for free using a special envelope, or by placing them in bins at several post offices and telco outlets.

The nationwide recycling programme, named ReCYCLE, was launched on Monday (June 5), in conjunction with World Environment Day.

Those who want to dispose of their electronic devices - such as smartphones, tablets, routers, cables and chargers - can throw them into recycling bins located in certain Singtel Shops, Singtel Exclusive Retailer outlets or post offices.

The full list of outlets can be found at http://recycle.sg/.

Consumers can also pick up a ReCYCLE envelope at any Singtel Shop, Singtel Exclusive Retailer outlet or post office, and mail their items at no charge.

The programme aims to reduce the amount of electronic waste (e-waste) generated by Singaporeans by recycling them.

"E-waste is one of the fastest-growing categories of waste as consumers dispose of electronic equipment even faster these days," said Mr Andrew Buay, Singtel's vice-president for group sustainability.



A ReCYCLE bin. PHOTO: SINGTEL



Ms Selena Chong, SingPost's vice-president for corporate sustainability, said: "We hope to provide our postal network capability to help people recycle more e-waste. Every recycled item means one less piece of waste that ends up in the landfill."

According to the National Environment Agency, Singapore produces 60,000 tonnes of electronic waste per year - which is as heavy as 220 Airbus A380 planes.

This makes Singapore the second-largest producer of e-waste in South-east Asia and the far east, with 19.95kg of e-waste per capita in 2015, according to a United Nations University report released in January.

Other telcos and organisations also have their own recycling schemes.

PC manufacturer Dell, for example, picks up Dell-branded products like laptops or printers for recycling.

Telco StarHub has, over the last three years, worked with delivery firm DHL and recycler TES-AMM under the REcycling Nation's Electronic Waste (Renew) programme.

Consumers can drop off their items at over 300 bins located in public areas such as schools, malls and offices.