Annual Data Trends on Contamination of Recyclables in Blue Bins from 2021 to 2026

11 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what is the specific average contamination rate in blue bins under the National Recycling Programme for 2025; (b) how has this figure trended annually since 2021; and (c) what are the top three specific contaminants that resulted in the highest volume of rejected recyclables in 2025 according to Material Recovery Facility data.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The aggregated contamination rate for recycling bins and recycling chutes under the National Recycling Programme has remained at about 40%. This is due to the incorrect placement of non-recyclable items in blue recycling bins and chutes and contamination from food and liquid residues.

The most common items incorrectly deposited for recycling include electrical and electronic waste (e-waste), clothing and composite plastics, for example, toys. E-waste should be deposited at the various e-waste collection points, and the public is encouraged to donate used clothes and toys if they are in good condition.