Make recycling a must, fine those who don't

Letter from Muhammad Hazique Salahudin, Straits Times Forum 9 Nov 07;

I REFER to the article, 'Recycle or face fines, Malaysians warned' (ST, Oct 31). The problem Malaysians face is similar to ours, and much can be learnt from their actions.

Singapore is a First World country. Undoubtedly, we are doing much to improve our environment. Some measures taken include the use of catalytic converters in cars and constructing energy-efficient buildings.

However, the problem of solid waste needs to be addressed further. Currently we dump our waste offshore at Pulau Semakau but what will happen when the landfill is full in 2040?

One effective way, as South Korea has shown, is to recycle. Unfortunately, recycling is not widely practised here, despite government efforts to promote it.

To encourage recycling, we can take a leaf out of Korea's book. Fines are one of the most effective methods to encourage good habits and, over time, the unwanted behaviour would disappear and the people will practise what is encouraged naturally.

This has been proven to be true in Singapore. We have curbed problems of illegal parking, smoking and dumping via fines.

If we make recycling mandatory and impose fines on those who do not do so, Singaporeans would become accustomed to recycling in the near future.

Should imposing fines be seen as too radical a move, further promotion of recycling could be undertaken, through placing more recycling bins around an estate. Currently, in Choa Chu Kang, there is only one bin per precinct. This is not practical as residents have to walk a distance just to recycle their things. A bin should be placed at every block.

Secondly, campaigns such as the Bring Your Own Bag day should be extended, to, say, a week. By extending the period, it will soon become a habit with shoppers to use reusable bags. This will save tonnes of plastic bags each month.

As a world-class city, the Government has to do more to promote environmental-friendliness.