SINGAPORE: Singapore is on track to achieve the recycling rate of 60 per cent by 2012, says the National Environmental Agency (NEA).

Last year, Singaporeans generated 5.6 million tonnes of trash. But they also recycled about half or 3 million of it.

And the recycling rate among Singapore households climbed to 63 per cent - about four times higher than that in 2001.

Even though more Singaporeans are recycling, some are still placing rubbish in the wrong bins.

NEA says about 10 to 20 per cent of the rubbish found in the recycling bins are actually un-recyclable trash.

To raise awareness on the proper use of recycling bins, while also giving young people a creative outlet to brighten up the many recycling bins around Singapore, NEA organised a painting event at the Youth Park at Somerset Road on Sunday.

Dubbed "The Art of Recycling", a group of teens spent time redesigning some familiar recycling bins, giving them a makeover. - CNA/ir