More red packets are getting a new lease of life in Singapore as businesses expand collection points around the island dedicated to recycling the festive envelopes, which are typically discarded after Chinese New Year.
Red packets cannot traditionally be recycled in the National Environment Agency’s blue recycling bins with other paper products, due to the large amount of red ink used for the paper which is mixed in with other materials such as plastic and foil, said Ms Jen Teo, executive director of non-profit Singapore Environment Council.
Having dedicated recycling bins allows for red packets, or hongbao, to be channelled to the right vendors who have the machinery and expertise to recycle them, she added.
There are currently more than 140 locations around the island with such facilities, including all DBS/POSB and most UOB branches, where people can recycle their red packets throughout the year.
Over the past five years, businesses such as banks and malls have made a concerted effort to green the tradition of giving red packets by ensuring that the products are upcycled into objects such as furniture and even future red packets.
Organisations told The Straits Times that they are repurposing more red packets than ever, with some recording hundreds of kilo-
This story is from the February 06, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 06, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
‘NEVER-ENDING’ SUCCESS FOR TAN
S’porean adds cup to league title, Dortmund keen to retain her services for next season
BOSTON PUT PAST BEHIND TO PROGRESS
Celtics take revenge on Heat with big win to book place in 2nd round of NBA play-offs
TAN THE MAN AT BARRIER TRIALS
Low-profile trainer makes presence felt with Single Warrior, Big Union at morning hit-outs
DBS starts the year strong as Ql profit hits new high of $2.95b
Its fee income gets boost from stronger market sentiment, higher card spending
Fed keeps rates at 23-year high amid stubborn price rises
US central bank cites lack of further progress’ towards its 2% inflation target
South Korea’s inflation slows more than expected in April
But weakening won poses challenge to policymakers’ efforts to cool price growth
Qualcomm gives upbeat sales forecast In sign of smartphone recovery
China remains crucial amid sales surge to its phone-makers in first half of fiscal year
Driver in crash that killed prof was checking GPS on phone
He says he was in a state of panic when he told police officer he had fallen asleep at the wheel
Agencies hold joint counter-terrorism exercise
A joint counter-terrorism exercise by various government agencies was held on April 30 and May 1 to test the Republic's preparedness in the event of a terror attack, the police said on May 2.
Five-year-old is youngest S'porean to reach Everest Base Camp
Pre-schooler makes trek to camp situated at altitude of 5,364m in Nepal with his father
