Understanding E-waste

In Singapore, there are broadly 2 types of electronic waste: regulated and non-regulated. 

The difference between regulated and non-regulated e-waste isn't intuitive. And, in an effort to “do the right thing” many people end up putting their e-waste in the wrong place. This is NOT laziness. People who wrongly put things in an e-waste bins are trying to recycle right. But it can be confusing. 

Let's stop shaming people and start educating them.

So what's the difference?

Regulated e-waste

This category is defined in Singapore's Resource Sustainability Act to include the following:

• IT and Communication equipment (Printer, Computer, Desktop Monitor, Laptop, Tablet, Router, Modem, Wireless Access Point, Set-top Box, Switches, Network Hub, Mobile Telephone, IT peripherals)
• Large Household appliances (Refrigerator, Air-conditioner, Television, Washing Machine Dryer)
• Electric Mobility Devices (Personal Mobility Devices, Electric Mobility Scooter, Power Assisted Bicycle)
• Batteries (Household batteries, Power banks, Industrial Battery ,Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Battery)
• Bulbs aka Lamps (LED / Fluorescent / Incandescent Bulbs and Tubes)

Sellers of these items are obliged to take them back under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme for E-Waste. They may also be passed on to Alba through their many e-waste collection channels. 

Refer to Alba's website for more info and contact them if you have any questions about what they take. This document goes into more detail about regulated e-Waste.

Non-Regulated e-waste

This includes all other electronic devices. 

Examples:

• Small appliances and electronics
• Game console, keyboard and mouse, docking stations, remote control
• Telephone (home, office), calculator, clocks, CCTV
• Power supply, wires, cables, chargers, torch light
• Audio equipment (sound systems: amplifier, speaker, woofer, sound bar)
• Headphones, earbuds, air-pods, camera, projector, Bluetooth speaker
• Thumb drive, portable hard disk, PCB board, SD cards
• Rice cooker, electric kettle, hair dryer and straightener, air fryer
• Fan, vacuum cleaner
• Small medical equipment (blood pressure monitor, blood glucose monitor)

These cannot be recycled through the Alba channels. 

For these, look for non-regulated e-waste bins, send to Cash for Trash or give to your Karung Guni.