Basyir B Othman (CEG), Chew Chi Yin (FASS), Lim Ming En (FoE), Tan Wei Ling Jillian (FASS), Tan Zhi Wei (CEG)
Academic Advisor: Dr. Chua Siew Chin
Industry Advisors: Mr. Hor Chor Kiat & Mr. Lim Wei Xiang Harry (UCI, NUS)
While the importance of recycling has been instilled into the public’s psyche due to government efforts to increase recycling rates, incorrect categorisation of rubbish and recycled waste contamination still remains a pressing issue. Some possible reasons for the abovementioned problems include the failure to recognise labels on receptacles or limited cognitive processing as people multitasked and thus disposed their recyclables into the wrong recycling bins. Overtime, this may result in an increasingly polluted recycling stream and a costly downstream recycling process. This project aims to encourage correct disposal and recycling habits, which in turn reduces the rate of contaminated recyclable waste. We will conduct survey to identify the preferred mode of instructions on recycling lids that would help correct disposal habits. We target all three types of recycling bins available in RVRC – Metals, Plastics and Paper. Our survey would also test the awareness level that used food containers and plastic bottles need to be washed before disposal. To increase the salience of the bin, recycling compliance as well as the accuracy of items recycled, we will replace the lids of recycling bins with specialised lids that reflect the shape of the item meant to be thrown. For example, a bin meant for plastic bottles will have the outline of a plastic bottle on the lid. This way, consumers will be able to identify these bins from a distance, even if they were multi-tasking. Furthermore, recycling bins will also be fitted with pictorial instructions to facilitate correct recycling methods. Although recycling bins have become an omnipresent part of our lives, the right recycling habits and accuracy of items disposed play a crucial role in ensuring that recycling rates increase in both quality and quantity.
Keywords: Culture and Lifestyle Trends, Responsible Consumption, recycling bin design, waste contamination