We thank Mr Victor Tan Thiam Siew for his letter (Review how recyclable waste is collected from bins, May 2). Today, about 40 per cent of the contents in our blue recycling bins cannot be recycled because people deposit non-recyclables, such as tissue paper or items contaminated with food and liquids. Items such as clothes, shoes and toys are non-recyclables and should instead be donated if in good condition. Mr Tan recounted how recyclables were collected door-to-door in recycling bags in the past. Besides being costly and time-consuming, fortnightly collection also required residents to store recyclables in their homes for up to two weeks. This collection method was eventually replaced with the provision of recycling bins, allowing residents to deposit their recyclables at any time. To make recycling more convenient, new HDB blocks, and non-landed private residential apartments of more than four storeys, will come with dual chutes, making recycling easier and as convenient as general waste disposal. To maximise recycling efforts, we need to encourage the public to recycle right.... Continue Reading