E-Waste Recycling Singapore

What is e-waste?

E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to electrical and electronic products that are unwanted, damaged, obsolete or have reached the end of their useful life.

This can include everyday items such as mobile phones, laptops, chargers, cables, power banks, keyboards, headphones, cameras and small household appliances.

In Singapore, these items should be recycled through appropriate e-waste recycling channels rather than being placed into general waste or ordinary blue recycling bins. Proper e-waste recycling allows useful materials to be recovered while helping ensure electronic components and batteries are handled appropriately.

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Understanding e-waste

What counts as e-waste?

A simple way to identify e-waste is to ask whether the item uses electricity, batteries or electronic components. If it does and you no longer need it, there is a good chance it may be classified as electronic or electrical waste.

Phones & Computing

Mobile phones, tablets, laptops, computers, keyboards, mice, docking stations, hard drives and other IT equipment.

Cables & Accessories

Charging cables, plugs, adapters, power supplies, USB cables, chargers, remote controls and electronic accessories.

Audio & Electronics

Headphones, earbuds, speakers, cameras, projectors, game consoles, amplifiers and other consumer electronics.

Small Appliances

Electric kettles, rice cookers, hair dryers, straighteners, fans, small vacuum cleaners and similar electrical appliances.

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Why it matters

Why should electronic waste be recycled?

Electronic devices are made from a combination of plastics, metals, circuit boards, batteries, glass and other materials. When equipment reaches the end of its useful life, recycling helps recover materials that may otherwise be lost.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) states that electrical and electronic equipment that cannot be reused or repaired should be properly recycled because e-waste can contain valuable materials as well as trace amounts of hazardous substances.

Singapore also operates an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for regulated e-waste under the Resource Sustainability Act.

Learn about e-waste recycling from Singapore's National Environment Agency

Recycling e-waste in Singapore

A simpler way to recycle your smaller e-waste.

TakeBag by KGS makes recycling smaller electronic items easier. Instead of waiting until old cables, devices and accessories pile up at home, you can place eligible e-waste into a TakeBag and return it through participating collection channels.

It is designed for common household electronic waste such as old phones, cables, chargers, adapters, headphones, computer accessories and other eligible small electronics.

Not sure whether an item is e-waste? If it has a plug, battery, circuit board or electronic function, check before throwing it away. Search our e-waste list →

E-waste recycling FAQ

Common questions about e-waste in Singapore.

What does e-waste mean?

E-waste is short for electronic waste or electrical and electronic waste. It generally refers to electrical or electronic products that are unwanted, damaged, obsolete or at the end of their useful life.

Are cables and chargers considered e-waste?

Yes. Unwanted charging cables, adapters, plugs, power supplies and many other electronic accessories can be recycled as e-waste rather than disposed of as general rubbish.

Can I recycle old phones and laptops?

Yes. Mobile phones, tablets, computers and laptops are common forms of e-waste. Devices containing personal or confidential information should also be handled with data security in mind before recycling.

Can small household appliances be e-waste?

Yes. Electrical products such as electric kettles, rice cookers, hair dryers, straighteners, fans and other small appliances can become e-waste when they are no longer wanted or usable.

Where can I recycle e-waste in Singapore?

Singapore has multiple e-waste collection programmes and recycling channels. TakeBag provides a convenient option for eligible smaller electronic items, while other collection avenues may be more suitable for large appliances, batteries or bulky equipment.

Order a free TakeBag for your eligible e-waste →

Ready to recycle?

Don't let old electronics become forgotten clutter.

Find out what you can recycle, order your free TakeBag and give your unwanted electronics a proper next step.