SINGAPORE: Singapore has welcomed a state-of-the-art recycling bin at the HortPark. Unassuming at first glance, the reverse vending machine – a common sight in Japan and Europe – is the first in Southeast Asia.

Rudy Fang, director of Recycle Management Enterprise, said: "We want to introduce this reverse vending machine to more people in Singapore. Let the public know that there's such a machine (that gives a) fantastic, fun, rewarding recycling experience. We want to help the government and the public build a recycling culture."

The machine compresses recyclable materials like used drink cans and plastic drink bottles. It has light sensors which determine the deposited object's shape, weight and material, and will reject the object if it does not comply with configured settings.

The cost of each unit is between S$30,000 and S$60,000, and the importers of the recycling bin have big aspirations.

"We have a big dream. In ten years, we'll probably end up setting up recycling centres in Singapore, which will be able to take a different kind of waste, not only cans and bottles. They can probably take glass or other plastic materials," said Fang.

While you will not be seeing these machines on the streets anytime soon, you can try them out at the Clean and Green Carnival at the HortPark this weekend. By depositing recyclable items, one can get a receipt in exchange to take part in a lucky draw.

More information on the carnival is available at the Clean and Green Singapore 2010 website.


- CNA/so