The act of junk collection in Singapore by the elderly doesn’t have a great impact on the recycling rates. In total percentages, this figure barely contributes to 0.01% of the total amount of materials recycled.

The next step is to think on how to improve? Should there be intervention to make the process more efficient? Several other countries have their own solutions to recycling and waste management issues. Curbside recycling is employed in countries like Canada and Australia.

Can Singapore help to increase the recycling rates? Perhaps an adoption of strategies that work elsewhere? Could we legislate the change that each home should separate their trash for recycling purposes?

It is interesting to note that the separation of materials to be recycled is done more cost efficiently than if it is separated at homes. This is due to the contamination that is present during the sorting at home and then the separation and washing of the materials is done a second time.

Should we be doing anything?

Should we even be intervening in this process? If for example the materials are collected from the homes directly, then the trade of collecting this junk items will be lost. Now what is a job for these elderly and way for them to be self-dependent is now not an available option for them. This will directly impact their lives.

A balanced strategy should be employed, one that integrates these elderly and consults them to improve the rates of recycling and maintain the livelihood of these elderly.