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Paper / Cardboard Recycling in Singapore
Singapore’s Paper Recycling Trends
According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), paper recycling rates in Singapore have been falling.
In 2024, Singapore generated 1.27 million tonnes of paper waste, but only 32% (402,000 tonnes) was recycled. This highlights the urgent need for businesses to improve paper segregation and recycling practices. With proper paper recycling, businesses can reduce waste sent for incineration, cut disposal costs, and demonstrate corporate responsibility.
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What is Paper Recycling?
Paper recycling provides a valuable source of fibers that reduces the demand for virgin pulp. By reusing paper fibers, paper recycling reduces the number of trees cut down. Additionally, incorporating recycled fibers helps conserve natural resources and promotes sustainability.
However, each time paper is recycled, its fibers break down further, eventually becoming too short to form new paper. To keep the recycling cycle going, virgin fibers must be continuously introduced into the system. Today’s new fibers will become tomorrow’s recycled fibers, ensuring a continuous flow of materials within the paper value chain.
For example, office papers can be recycled into cartons, cartons can be turned into newspapers, and newspapers can be processed into tissue papers. Proper segregation of paper at the source is therefore essential to maximize the number of times it can be recycled and to preserve its value for as long as possible.
For commercial waste generators, proper segregation at source is not just an environmental practice — it directly determines whether paper can be recycled, qualifies for rebates, or is charged as waste disposal.
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Types of Papers We Recycle
Higher-grade papers, such as BW (white papers with black printing), retain better recycling value and qualify for rebates, while lower-grade or contaminated paper may incur sorting or disposal charges.
Note: Always remove attachments and contaminants from the recyclables, as these lower the value of recyclables.
Learn more about accepted materials and handling requirements in our Recycling & Waste Guides.
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Paper Recycling Collection
Price Options
This pricing table applies only to recyclable materials such as paper, industrial plastics and metal.
Different recyclable materials may be combined, provided they are properly sorted and separated. The options below provide a general pricing guide.
For general waste or bulky waste disposal, please refer to our Waste Collection & Disposal services for commercial and industrial clients.
Self Drop-Off
- No minimum weight required
- Self drop-off at our warehouse
- Receive cash rebates
Ad-Hoc Collection
- No minimum weight required
- Pickup from your location
- No cash rebates
Regular Collection
- Minimum 500kg per material type
- Pickup from your location
- Receive cash rebates
1) Recyclable Materials (May incur sorting charges)
– Mixed or unsorted papers
Sorting charges may apply due to additional manual handling and contamination risks.
2) Non-Recyclable Materials (May incur disposal charges)
– Carbon paper, coated paper, tissue paper or waxed materials
– Contaminated or food-stained paper
– Archfiles, plastic folders, binders
These items are either non-recyclable and will therefore incur additional charges.
Additional Notes
– Ad-hoc collections in restricted or remote areas (e.g. Town, CBD, Sentosa, Jurong Island, Changi Air Freight Centre, Shipyards) — from $150/trip
– Shredding services are available upon request and quoted separately.
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Our Paper Recycling Process
At Gee Hoe Seng Pte Ltd, we manage the first and most important stages of Singapore’s paper recycling chain — collection and sorting. We ensure recyclable materials are properly recovered and prepared for downstream recycling partners, who handle baling, export, and pulping.
Together, this five-step process transforms recyclable paper into new, useful materials. The process of paper recycling often involves the following steps:
1. Paper Collection
Paper waste is collected from offices, factories, warehouses, and commercial buildings using our own fleet of vehicles. Our in-house team ensures timely and compliant collection for all clients.
2. Paper Sorting
Collected materials are sorted into categories such as office paper, cartons, newspapers, and magazines. Proper sorting ensures maximum fiber recovery and material quality for recycling.
3. Paper Baling
After sorting, recyclable paper is compacted and baled by licensed recycling partners. This process reduces volume and prepares the materials for export.
4. Export Processing
As there are no large-scale paper pulping facilities locally, these baled papers are exported overseas for further processing. The paper is pulped and de-inked to recover usable fibers.
5. Product Renewal
The recovered pulp is pressed and rolled into new paper materials such as cartons, packaging, and tissue paper — closing the loop and giving new life to recycled fibers.
Need a compliant and efficient paper recycling solution?
Our team will review your paper types, volumes, and segregation practices to recommend a rebate-eligible, compliant, and cost-effective paper recycling programme for your business.
NEA-licensed paper and cardboard recycling services with transparent weighing and reporting for businesses in Singapore.