Provision of Recycling Bins in Schools to Educate Students on Environmental Responsibility

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources whether the Ministry will consider the provision of recycling bins separating paper, plastics, glass and metals in the common areas and canteens of schools so as to cultivate the sense of environmental responsibility in our students.

My Ministry launched the Schools Recycling Corner Programme in 2002, which involves setting up recycling corners in schools, as part of our efforts to nurture a sense of environmental responsibility in our students. The public waste collectors provide co-mingled recycling bins at these recycling corners, which is consistent with the National Recycling Programme (NRP).

We have adopted the co-mingled recycling approach as this makes it easier for residents to practise recycling and also makes the collection of recyclables more cost-effective. Co-mingled recycling is practised in various US cities as well as in parts of Europe and Australia.

At the school recycling corners, educational materials are also made available to raise awareness of waste minimisation and recycling. Since 2009, all primary and secondary schools, as well as junior colleges, have implemented recycling programmes on their premises.

Other programmes to cultivate environmental responsibility in our students include the "Preschool Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3R) Awareness Kit" to help kindergarten teachers plan activities for preschoolers, and the "Youth for the Environment Day", a platform for youths to lead and participate in environmental activities. Schools are also recognised for their environmental efforts through the "3R Awards" and the "President’s Award for the Environment" which is the highest accolade for environmental champions.

My Ministry also facilitates educational visits to recycling facilities, incineration plants and the Semakau Landfill. These visits allow students to observe the large amount of waste disposed of every day and better understand the problems which Singapore faces if we do not practise the 3Rs.

My Ministry will continue to review our efforts to provide our young people with opportunities to contribute to our 3R efforts. We hope that our various stakeholders would continue to partner us and support our efforts.