Domestic blue-bin contamination in Singapore remains high, with official replies indicating about 40% rejected material in commingled recycling streams. The main causes are food residue, liquid contamination, and unsuitable items such as e-waste, clothes, and composite plastics.
What goes into the blue bin
- Clean paper and cardboard without food stains
- Clean plastic containers and bottles
- Metal cans and clean foil trays
- Glass bottles and jars without liquid
What stays out
- Food-soiled takeaway packaging
- Tissue and paper towels
- Styrofoam food boxes
- Batteries, bulbs, and electronics
- Reusable goods better suited for donation
Household handling routine
1. Rinse and dry
Food and liquid residue can contaminate an entire bag of otherwise recyclable items. A short rinse and drip-dry step lowers rejection risk.
2. Keep a small sorting corner
Place one dry container near your general bin. Move recyclables only when they are clean and dry.
3. Use dedicated channels for special streams
For e-waste, use designated collection points under Singapore’s producer responsibility framework instead of blue bins.
Why this matters
Rejected domestic recyclables are incinerated and eventually sent to Semakau landfill. Reducing contamination preserves material value and supports the national target to reduce waste-to-landfill per capita by 2030.