Home > Implementation of Food Waste Segregation

Resources to Support Food Waste Segregation:

Dedicated food waste receptacles such as coloured SS EN 840 certified Mobile Garbage Bins (MGBs) and plastic receptacles can be used by stakeholders to facilitate the segregation and collection of food waste.

Food retail tenants and stallholders who face space constraints can segregate their food waste using smaller plastic containers within their shop spaces. The bigger MGBs can be deployed at centralized collection points (e.g., tray return areas or bin centres) for stakeholders to dispose of their segregated food waste prior to on-site treatment or collection for off-site treatment.

It is also important to have clearly labelled food waste receptacles to allow stakeholders to easily identify the correct point for the disposal of segregated food waste. The labels should be on the lid and side(s) of the bins so that they are clearly visible. This helps to prevent stakeholders from mistaking the food waste bins as general waste bins. The dedicated food waste receptacles can also be colour-coded to distinguish them from general waste bins.

A general waste bin should be placed beside the food waste bin with clear labels for both bins. This reduces the contamination of food waste with non-food waste.

Educational Materials with Clear Instructions:

The provision of educational materials with clear instructions can improve stakeholders’ awareness of the food waste treatment project and ensure proper food waste segregation. Educational materials such as posters can be displayed at the food waste segregation and collection points (e.g., tray return area) where food waste is being segregated.

Educational materials should preferably comprise the following:

• Clear instructions on the types of food waste that can and cannot be deposited into the food waste bins.

Depending on the type of treatment solutions adopted (e.g. on-site vs off-site, aerobic vs anaerobic), or the different types of treatment systems, the types of food waste that can be recycled may differ. Owners of premises who are planning to install or have adopted on-site food waste treatment should check with their system suppliers on the types of food waste that can be accepted by the system.

• Photographs and pictures to show the expected quality of food waste to be collected in the food waste bins.

The use of visual aid and prompts such as photographs of the segregated food waste can enhance stakeholders’ level of understanding and help to reinforce the importance of proper segregation of food waste.

• Clear process flow diagram to provide stakeholders with information on the purpose of food waste segregation.
• Educational materials can be translated into different languages to cater to a wider range of stakeholders.

Clear Signage at Food Waste Collection Points:

Setting up prominent food waste collection points with clear signage such as banners and posters helps the proper disposal of segregated food waste into dedicated food waste collection bins.

For example, NEA conducted a food waste segregation pilot at Tampines West, where segregated food waste was collected from nearby coffee shops and food retail establishments. The food waste collection point is co-located with the existing bin centre and a banner was displayed to clearly indicate the food waste recycling corner where the food waste collection bins are placed.

Owners of some premises with food waste segregation also co-located their food waste collection points with existing recycling corners where other recyclables are segregated for collection.

Outreach Programmes for Stakeholders:

Engagement

Apart from having the hardware to facilitate food waste segregation, it is also important to conduct engagement and training programmes to engage stakeholders’ participation and support for the project.

Incentives and recognition

There could be potential cost savings reaped from the segregation of food waste for treatment, particularly if owners and operators adopt a variable waste collection contract, where waste disposal cost is dependent on the amount of waste disposed of. Premises can also reap savings from reduced haulage fees when food waste is treated on-site. The savings from food waste segregation and treatment could be passed on to stakeholders (e.g., tenants, staff, contractors) to encourage and sustain their participation in food waste segregation.

Owners and operators can also recognize stakeholders’ participation in food waste segregation. For instance, where compost is generated from food waste treatment, owners and operators can share the compost with stakeholders who could use it for gardening. Owners and operators of premises could also develop a recognition scheme to show appreciation for stakeholders’ participation in segregating their food waste.

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