Deep Dive Podcast: Why is it so hard to get recycling right in Singapore?

Deep Dive Podcast: Why is it so hard to get recycling right in Singapore?

Here’s an extract from the radio: &nbsp,

Tan Huileng: &nbsp,
When we visit each other and conduct research or path shows, we realize that two things are very important. One is, people have to interact with the heads and interact with the souls, right? Beyond simply saying,” Recycling is fine and reuse saves the earth,” it also extends to the mind.

I think it’s more ( like )” How can we for sure say that when we put something into the bin, or when we send something for recycling, it really gets recycled”.

Crispina Robert:
So they do n’t trust that it does get recycled?

Huileng:
Yes, that is one. The next one is that sometimes the boxes they visit are so noisy. It appears to be a typical garbage can. And they are like,” Hey… are my things actually being recycled, or is it just going to be thrown away”?

Crispina:
So ( they think ) what’s the point, right?

Huileng:
Simply. We have to actually understand the system. Find other ways to persuade them that recycling also works, perhaps using different types of infrastructure, or using segregated waste recycling, to make them do something a little better. &nbsp,

Crispina:
We did a quick ballot on CNA’s social media channels and received more than 17, 000 vote. Some 64 per cent of you said that, yes we compost because it matters. So the “heart” element is working. I was pretty amazed. But good job, CNA fans.

And those who do n’t discard- two were their major reasons. One, the boxes are always complete. Two … they say it’s currently contaminated so what’s the point? Which is why everyone is thrown into the typical trash can.

In fact, 40 per cent ( of recycled waste ) is contaminated. That sounds a bit, to me. So why is it that Korea, Japan, Taiwan, can nick this contamination problem, but we ca n’t?

Prof Tong Yen Wah:
The fact that their misuse are being sorted by the general public, which prevents them from having a basic recycling bin where everything is mingled with other countries’ is a crucial factor.

In a lot of places where they have inc- mixed disposal, pollution does tend to happen. In Europe, in US, they do this a bit, and they found that it happens. But in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, they have individual disposal boxes. But they do n’t actually have bins. When they actually rid of it, they have to package it independently, and then diverse trucks will come to collect them differently.