Singapore Singapore launches EPR-based e-waste management system

Singapore launches EPR-based e-waste management system

Singapore’s first nationwide electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) management system based on extended producer responsibility (EPR) was launched on July 1, 2021. This system is carried out in accordance with the section 12 to 17 (requirements for the management of e-waste) of the Resource Sustainability Act 2019 which came into effect on the same day. ALBA has been appointed as the authorized operator of the Producer Responsibility Scheme (PRS) for recycling of e-waste to collect regulated products and implement other measures for the proper management of e-waste.

The news of the National Environment Agency (NEA) on the launch of the e-waste management system is available at:
https://www.nea.gov.sg/media/news/news/index/new-nationwide-e-waste-management-system-kicks-in-on-1-july-2021

An overview of the e-waste management system started on July 1, 2021 is given below.

 

Responsibilities of producers

Producers who supply regulated products to consumers in excess of the prescribed supply thresholds* are required to join and finance the PRS. ALBA collects e-waste on behalf of producers and sends them to recyclers who treat them appropriately. However, producers who supply regulated products for industrial and commercial use must take back used products from their clients for free and send the products to appropriate recyclers.

*Refer to Annex A of the NEA news for the prescribed supply threshold by regulated products.

Collection Avenues to Recycle E-Waste

From July 1, 2021, the collection avenues for regulated e-waste** (ICT equipment, large appliances, lamps, batteries, and solar photovoltaic panels) provided by each entity are as follows.

Retailers

  •  Over-the-counter collection service
  • 1-for-1 take-back

ALBA

  •  Over 300 e-waste recycling bins in public areas
  •  Quarterly collection drives at residential estates (by collaborating with town councils)
  • Chargeable on demand doorstep collection services
  •  ALBA e-waste’s depot (at 20 Tuas Loop, Singapore 637350)

Town Councils

  • Bulky item removal service in HDBs (ALBA coordinate the collection)

**See Annex B of the NEA news for details.

ALBA has already set up a dedicated website which provides a range of information on the collection of e-waste. For example, there are a map of collection points, request forms for doorstep collection and FAQs on e-waste collection. The doorstep collection charges are S$ 17.12 per three small items and S$ 42.80 per one large items. These prices are of standard service and there are additional charges for express services and weekends or night collection.
https://alba-ewaste.sg/

 

If you would like to know more, please see the following news about supplemental regulations on Singapore’s e-waste management:
Singapore publishes three regulations on collection and recycling of e-waste

 

Author / Responsibility

HIROSE Nao

Researcher, Research & Consulting Dept. EnviX Ltd.

Business Performance

In charge of Southeast Asia for managing information on the environmental regulations.

Background

BA, Human Life and Environmental Sciences, Ochanomizu University

HIROSE Nao