Red Packets
Recyclable?
Blue Bins & Chutes
Other Recycling
Recommended
Specialised Recycling
Year Round: place in DBS/POSB's boxes.
During CNY: See the map linked
Remove any plastic packaging before putting your packets in the collection boxes.
DBS/POSB Red Packet Recycling Bins
Map of Red Packet Recycling Bins CNY 2024
Alternative
Recycle as Paper
If your red packets have no foil or gold stamping, recycle them like other paper products. See here for options.
The heavy red dye can also be a problem for some paper recyclers which is why using special purpose bins is preferable to general recycling bins.
Alternative
Trash
If your red packet is made with foil or gold stamping, throw them in the trash or recycle in the special bins provided by banks.
With the amount of ink and gold stamping involved, red packets are not easy to recycle and often end up incinerated. Foil and metals are a contaminant in the paper recycling process.
Alternative
Tips & Suggestions
Choose red packets that can be used year round and every year (i.e. no animal or CNY specific greeting) so that you can use up your supplies after CNY and don't have to throw them away.
Info & Insights
Why are red packets are so hard to recycle?
The use of heavy ink and embellishments like foil stamping can make the recycling process more costly and labor-intensive for paper mills. The ink can contaminate the water used in the process, resulting in the need for more frequent water changes and reducing the possibility of reusing the water. These factors may deter some paper mills from accepting red packets for recycling. Additionally, paper products with heavy decorations or dark-colored dyes are also less desirable for paper mills to recycle.
Despite the challenges associated with recycling red packets, there are a few paper mills around the world that still accept them along with other types of paper. Tay Paper Recycling, based in Singapore, exports red packets and other papers it collects to these paper mills.
Read more at Mothership
