Know Your Contaminants

40% of the items in recycling bins cannot be recycled due to contamination, putting everyone's good efforts to waste. Common contaminants include food and liquid waste, Styrofoam, tissue paper, electronic waste, furniture and items meant for reuse, such as clothing, toys and shoes.

Food & Liquid Waste

Stained coffee cups,  Pizza boxes and other food-stained paper containers

Plastic utensils/cutlery, Plastic containers that are too oily and requires much washing

Dirty aluminum foil and trays

Styrofoam

Styrofoam boxes, containers and packaging

Tissue Paper, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels

Clean or dirty, these items cannot be recycled

Electronic Waste

Electronic waste can be recycled but not in the blue recycling bins. They should be deposited at designated e-waste collection points. Find out where to deposit your e-waste here.

Mobile Devices Powerbank	Batteries	Bulbs & Tubes (Incandescent, LED and fluorescent)
ICT Equipment	Electric Mobility Devices	Household Appliances

Reusables

Donate your reusable items if they are in good condition. Otherwise, these items cannot be recycled in the blue recycling bins and should be discarded as general trash. Visit this link to find out where you can donate/resell/repair your items.

Toys	Clothing	Shoes
Stationery	Furniture	Luggage

To CHECK if your item can or cannot be recycled, simply use the Recycling Search Engine or check out the Bloobin’s Recycling Guide to seek his advice. He may also throw in a few helpful recycling tips!