Singapore launches e-waste recycling pilot at 2,000 collection points

Singapore has launched a six-month pilot program to facilitate the recycling of used mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. The initiative, announced by Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary, utilizes approximately 2,000 Shopee SPX Express collection points and Pick lockers across the island to provide convenient drop-off locations for residents.

Managed by Alba E-waste Smart Recycling, the program aims to address public concerns regarding data privacy. To mitigate risks associated with personal information stored on devices, the recycling firm Virogreen will perform professional data destruction. Users will receive a certificate of data destruction to ensure their personal information is securely handled.

Once processed, the devices will be recycled to recover valuable materials such as gold, copper, and cobalt. This pilot program complements Singapore’s existing infrastructure, which includes nearly 1,200 specialized e-waste bins located in shopping malls, supermarkets, and community centers.