Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Simple Steps for a Sustainable Future

We've all heard this many times. However, did you know that the 3Rs of waste management are listed in order of priority?

Reducing waste is the best option, with reusing products coming next. If the first 2 Rs are not possible, then recycle.

Reduce – the best of the 3Rs

The most effective way to be sustainable is to consume less resources. Whether at home, at work or outside, be mindful of the ways that you can reduce your consumption of water, electricity and disposables, as well as minimise food waste.

Here are some simple ways you can get started:

Water

• Wash clothes on full load

• Always use half-flush when possible

• Turn off shower when soaping

• Ensure tap is off when brushing teeth

• Rinse vegetables in container

• Choose products with higher water efficiency – the more ticks on Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) label, the more water you’ll save!

• Click here for more water-saving tips

Electricity

• Turn off lights and fans when they are not in use

• Set the air-conditioner temperature at 25°C or higher

• Switch off appliances at the power socket when they are not in use

• Wash your laundry on full load

• Switch off the storage water heater after use

• Opt for energy-efficient appliances (the more ticks on the Energy Label the better!)

• Click here for more energy-saving tips

Disposables

• Bring your own reusable bag, bottle and/or container when heading out

• Decline disposable bags if items can be carried in hands/pockets/personal bags

• Decline disposables (e.g. cup holders, cutlery and straws for takeaways)

• Click here for more tips and deals when you waste less

Food wastage

• Buy and order only what you can finish

• Check your kitchen before shopping to prevent duplicate purchases

• Make a shopping list and keep to it

• Keep near-expiry food items within easy view

• Store excess food properly

• Ask for less rice/noodles if you can’t finish them

• Say ‘No’ to side dishes you don’t eat

• Click here for more tips and deals when you waste less

Reuse – the second best R

Many people are unfamiliar with what they can do with their old clothing, shoes, bags and other household items. You can actually donate, resell or repair these items to give them a new lease of life.

• Donate pre-loved items such as furniture and household appliances to charities in need

• Donate or resell your items if they are still in good condition

• Consider repairing items instead of disposal

• Click here for more information on where you can donate, resell and/or repair your items.

Recycle – the last of R

While 72% of Singaporean households recycle regularly, according to NEA’s 2023 survey on household recycling, about 40 per cent of the items in the blue recycling bins/recycling chutes are found to be either contaminated (e.g. food- and liquid-stained containers) or non-recyclable (e.g. soft toys).

When food or liquid waste is thrown into blue recycling bins or chutes, other recyclables in the bins or chutes are contaminated, putting everyone's good effort to waste. When clean recyclables are contaminated, they become no different from general waste. They will then have to be disposed of, incinerated, and landfilled. Therefore, it is important to recycle right and ensure that only clean and recyclable items are placed in the blue recycling bins or recycling chutes.

• Check if your item can be recycled. Click here for more information on what can and cannot be recycled via the blue recycling bin/chute.

• Start the habit of recycling at home by setting up a recycling corner using Bloobox (recycling box) or other receptacle to contain recyclables (e.g. used carton box, shopping bag, etc.)

• Ensure that the recyclables are clean and not contaminated with food or liquids. Rinse containers before recycling.

• Drop off electronic waste (e.g. old mobile phones, IT accessories) at designated collection points.

• Donate clothes, shoes, toys and bags (e.g. hand bags/ school bags) if in good condition or deposit them in textile recycling bins (e.g. Cloop and Greensquare). These items do not belong in the blue recycling bins or chutes.

Let’s all do our part to create a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Singapore.

The Singapore Green Plan 2030 aims to advance Singapore’s national agenda on sustainable development. Click here for more information about the green plan.