Since December 2022, Norwegian reverse vending machine firm Tomra has been testing one of its machines at Changi Airport Terminal 3. - PHOTO: TOMRA SINGAPORE via The Straits Times/ANN
SINGAPORE. Feb 26 (The Straits Times/ANN): When Lee Chee Huei brought a big bag of cans and bottles for recycling to a reverse vending machine outside Tampines Mall in January, he was disappointed to find that the machine was full.
It was his third time encountering a collection machine in the Tampines area that was full or not working over the past two years.
The 42-year-old, who is a member of the Citizens’ Workgroup that proposed a beverage container return scheme in 2019, said any issues or inconvenience will hinder people from supporting a return scheme.
“The return scheme needs to be implemented seamlessly to avoid any hassle for the public. One or two troublesome experiences could demoralise people from recycling.
“And the public needs to be educated to use the machines properly. I did observe people throwing paper containers into the machine, which caused it to malfunction,” said Lee.
When the proposed beverage container return scheme kicks in nationwide by mid-2024, drinks in bottles and cans are expected to cost 10 cents to 20 cents more.
But the money can be redeemed when the empty containers are returned for recycling.
This could be done through manual return counters and reverse vending machines, which will guzzle up the recyclables. The refund will likely be in the form of cash or digital transfer.
Professor Seeram Ramakrishna, who chairs the Circular Economy Taskforce at the National University of Singapore, said instructions on returning bottles and getting the refunds must be clear and easy to understand.
At the initial stage, volunteers or staff should also be around to help the public get familiar with the machines, he added.
Singapore’s domestic recycling rate was 13 per cent in 2021, a 10-year low. That year, only 6 per cent of plastic waste disposed of was recycled.
About 40 per cent of the contents found in the blue recycling bins cannot be recycled due to contamination from food and liquid waste, tissue paper and other items, the National Environment Agency (NEA) had said previously.
Experts say the nationwide return scheme will help ensure a clean stream of good-quality plastic bottles and aluminium cans that can be recycled. Most plastic recyclables are currently exported overseas.
The scheme could also develop Singapore’s recycling sector and lead to new green jobs.
Prof Seeram, who is also chairman of the Plastics Recycling Centre of Excellence at the Plastics Recycling Association of Singapore, said the association has been studying the feasibility of setting up a plastic recycling plant here.
It could turn used PET plastic containers into new bottles and longer-lasting materials.
Prof Seeram said a market for recycled plastics needs to be established.
“Singapore is well-placed to have start-ups and demo pilot plants for developing local expertise in the green recycling of aluminium and glass, for example.
“This involves material innovations, as well as employing renewable energy to the recycling processes,” he added.
Meanwhile, more smart collection machines have been set up across Singapore in the run-up to the scheme’s launch.
Beverage companies and retailers, among other players, have been working with the authorities in designing the return scheme. - The Straits Times/ANN
