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  Channel NewsAsia 20 Apr 07
Recycling made easier with more recycling bins at HDB estates

SINGAPORE: It is now even easier to get into the recycling act - the National Environment Agency plans to have one recycling station within every five blocks of flats by year's end.

There are already 1,120 such stations installed at HDB estates. Another 480 will be installed by the end of the year.

"The NEA is already putting in place plans to ensure that there are recycling bins within five blocks of HDB estates so that it is convenient for people to recycle," said Dr Amy Khor, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Environment & Water Resources Ministry.

"The recycling bins will be within walking distance and they are actually implementing this already. And of course in the landed estates, we will make sure there are recycling bins, as far as possible," she added.

Some of the areas where recycling bins have been installed include Bishan, Ang Mo Kio and Bukit Merah. Recycling bins are placed at strategic locations such as playgrounds and walkways, where they are highly visible to the public and easily accessible.

Household recycling in Singapore has been steadily gaining momentum. In 2005, the number of households recycling was 56 per cent, up from 15 per cent in 2001. Singapore hopes to achieve a recycling rate of 60 per cent by 2012.

Dr Khor, who was at an event on climate change, also commented on the "bring your own bag" project launched earlier this week, which aims to reduce the number of plastic bags used.

She said, "Of course because it is a new scheme, we see some negative comments. There are people who don't understand why they have to pay for the bags. But I think that it will take time. "This is really an education process. We have to explain to them this is not really about the cost. It is more about adopting environmentally friendly habits, protecting and conserving the environment.

"One of the ways that an individual can do this... would be through not overusing plastic bags and through using recyclable bags. If they can do that, that would be even better."

She added that for now, the scheme would not be extended to include the wet markets. - CNA/yy
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