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© 2025 Changi Airport
CAG is committed to supporting Singapore’s national goals to increase recycling rates and reduce waste sent to the landfill. As part of our strategy, we focus on resource management, efficient waste technologies, partnership with airport stakeholders and awareness building to reduce waste generation and recycle more effectively.
Self-service waste sortation
To promote waste segregation and recycling, CAG designed a sortation bin that was implemented at a tray and crockery return station at Terminal 1.
The tray return station features recycling graphics and signage to guide users on proper recycling practices and reduce cross-contamination. Users can self-sort their waste into five waste streams: liquid waste, food waste, plastic bottles, metal cans and non-recyclables. Since the installation of the system in January 2024, an average of 90kg of recyclables has been collected each month. This initiative has also contributed towards the on-site treatment of 600kg of food waste per month.
With the encouraging results from the pilot installation, there are plans to expand this system airport-wide to encourage airport employees and passengers to participate in recycling efforts.
Self-service waste sortation promotes good waste sorting habits and behaviour.
Circularity at the workplace
CAG collaborated with our office coffee kiosk partner to transition towards zero-waste operations. Employees bring their own cups instead of using single-use disposable cups, and all used milk cartons are recycled.
Used coffee grounds at the kiosk are sent to CAG’s horticulture plant nursery to be converted to compost. The compost is then used to grow the plants around the airport. Every month, up to 80kg of coffee grounds are recycled through this arrangement.
Staff are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups for coffee.
Community engagement on recycling awareness
Changi Airport’s Sustainability Recycling Corner was launched in February 2024, featuring information on the importance of recycling and how different materials can be recycled. The installation was curated to be dynamic, timeless and interactive with a gamification function to engage users in learning what it means to practice responsible recycling.
In collaboration with local and international partners, including SGRecycle, ALBA and TOMRA, airport visitors can recycle up to four waste types– e-waste, paper, plastic bottles and metal cans at a single location.
The Sustainability Recycling Corner tracks the number of games played to monitor user uptake and effectiveness of the initiative. Every month, an average of 1,000 beverage containers, 300kg of paper and 100kg of electronic waste is recycled. Through regular education and engagement, CAG aims to foster a culture of sustainability across the airport community.
Changi’s Sustainability Recycling Corner at Terminal 3, Basement 2
To further enhance our understanding of recycling potential within passenger terminal buildings, CAG completed a waste assessment study to collect and analyse the various types of waste being disposed. In collaboration with airport tenants and with support from a local waste recycling company, CAG identified key challenges and opportunities in waste reduction and recycling processes. These insights will support ongoing efforts to develop a robust waste management strategy and set long-term targets.