Tiong Bahru Residents Launch Recycling Bin Removal Experiment
SINGAPORE – Faced with declining domestic recycling rates and persistent contamination issues, residents of Tiong Bahru’s Seng Poh estate are taking a novel approach to improve waste management. Starting April 11, 2026, they will temporarily remove blue recycling bins for nearly three months as part of an experiment.
The initiative, dubbed “Love Tiong Bahru,” will instead rely on community recycling drives held twice a month at the Tiong Bahru Community Centre, where residents can deposit their recyclables.
Addressing Contamination and Unsightly Conditions
Architect Kelvin Wang, a coordinator of the initiative, explained that residents were “disturbed enough” by the deteriorating state of their neighborhood to seize action. The contamination rate for blue recycling bins has remained at approximately 40 percent since 2017. “For those who say it’s a terrible idea, I am sure they don’t indicate to say that they are happy with the current unsightly and uncivilised situation where recycling efforts are undone,” Wang stated. He believes this is potentially the first instance of residents in Singapore requesting the removal of public recycling bins.
The approach mirrors centralized recycling systems found in countries like Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand. Wang emphasized that Tiong Bahru, as a heritage neighborhood, should maintain a clean and hygienic environment, rather than relying solely on town council cleaners to address litter.
A Return to Targeted Collection
Longtime resident Alvin Yeo, who has lived in Tiong Bahru his entire life, noted that the situation worsened after the introduction of the blue bins, which he says have been misused by passersby, businesses, and residents as general waste receptacles. He recalled a previous system of targeted doorstep collection, conducted on fixed days, as being highly effective. “Residents who took part – and there were many – carefully sorted out, cleaned and packed their recyclables every two weeks for collection,” Yeo said.
Government Support and Collaboration
The initiative gained momentum after residents approached Member of Parliament (MP) Foo Cexiang in mid-2025 to express their concerns about the misuse of recycling bins and propose a different strategy. Impressed by their initiative, Mr. Foo connected them with the National Environment Agency (NEA) to secure support.
Over the following months, NEA, Tanjong Pagar Town Council, Cora Environment (the estate’s recycling operator), and residents collaborated to develop the pilot program, as announced in a March 24, 2026, Facebook post by Mr. Foo. They also canvassed the neighborhood to garner support for the project.
“The aim is simple – to see if a more hands-on approach helps residents sort recyclables more effectively and reduces contamination,” Mr. Foo explained, adding that he plans to attend the first recycling drive. He acknowledged the potential for the removal of bins to discourage some from recycling due to inconvenience, but also suggested it could encourage greater participation through increased visibility and assurance.
“If we don’t do anything, nothing will change. So I decided, let’s try it out, and we will tweak along the way,” Mr. Foo said. To date, no residents have voiced objections to the initiative.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The pilot program will also monitor the capacity of green rubbish bins to determine if they fill more rapidly with the removal of the blue bins. At the conclusion of the experiment on June 27, 2026, the team will analyze recycling rates and resident feedback to assess its effectiveness.
Currently, 16 residents are actively involved in the initiative, many motivated by the unsightly condition of overflowing recycling bins. Resident Ann Gan, who was recently based in Japan, cited the country’s effective recycling habits, shaped by fines, a well-integrated system, and community norms. Realtor Michelle Tan joined the effort, believing that a cleaner environment sets a positive example for future generations.
The initiative affects blue bins serving pre-war and post-war Singapore Improvement Trust flats located on Tiong Bahru Road, Tiong Poh Road, Seng Poh Road, Eng Hoon Street, Eng Watt Street, Chay Yan Street, Yong Siak Street, Moh Guan Terrace, and Lim Liak Street.
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