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This shouldn't have happened: NEA I REFER to the letters, 'More recycling bins needed in HDB estates' by Mr Jonathan Kwok last Tuesday and 'A picture speaks a thousand words' by Mr Tay Yong Hong last Thursday. We appreciate Mr Kwok's commitment to recycling and are pleased to note that the National University of Singapore (NUS) has provided recycling bins extensively within its campus. To facilitate and promote waste recycling in HDB estates and landed homes, we have arranged for public waste collectors (PWCs) to provide recycling bags or recycling bins to households to store their recyclables, which can then be placed outside their doors on a scheduled day every fortnight for collection. In addition, we have arranged for the PWCs to place 1,600 sets of recycling bins within HDB estates, in consultation with town councils as well as residents' committees. Most HDB residents will be able to find a recycling bin within 150m from their block. Recycling bins are generally well used by residents and sufficient to meet their needs. On average, each set of recycling bins collects about 100kg of recyclables per month. Although most residents use recycling bins properly, incidents of misuse occur when residents throw liquid, food and other non-recyclable waste into them. We will continue our efforts to educate residents on the proper use of recycling bins. The recycling bin next to Mr Tay's block was filled before the scheduled weekly collection, and recyclable waste was placed outside the bin. The PWC should have ensured this did not happen by clearing the bins regularly. The National Environment Agency (NEA) will work with the PWC to either increase the frequency of collection, or provide larger bins. Residents can contact the NEA on our hotline, 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255-632), or the PWC on the hotline number printed on the recycling bins should they come across any overfilled recycling bins. We thank Mr Kwok and Mr Tay for their feedback. Ong Seng Eng Director, Resource Conservation Department National Environment Agency