A simple, easy-to-carry bag that makes sorting a breeze. Perfect for small spaces without dedicated recycling bins!
Do you make the effort to recycle, or does everything just go in the trash?
When you recycle, it can sometimes feel like a small effort, but it adds up. Every bit counts, and the more we can make it part of our daily routine, the bigger impact we have.
Recycling in Singapore homes
Living in Singapore, it’s hard to ignore how much plastic and packaging we go through daily, whether it’s takeaway containers, bubble tea cups, or grocery packaging. I often find myself feeling guilty about the waste and try to do my part by recycling as much as I can.
Fortunately, the recycling system here is convenient, with plenty of programs in place to make it easy. I like that I can simply toss all my recyclables into the blue bins under my block anytime.
That being said, I didn’t collect the Bloobox, the home recycling box that was being distributed free of charge a while ago. Honestly, I found it a bit awkwardly shaped and not very flexible. Since I tend to collect a fair amount of recyclables before throwing them out, the Bloobox was just too small to fit things like cardboard boxes from my dog’s canned food, even after flattening and folding them.
Finding my ideal recycling method
When space is limited, it’s important to make the most of every bit of space, including how we handle recycling. Without a dedicated area, recyclables can easily pile up in random corners of the house and make the space feel cluttered.
Here are some of the considerations when deciding on my current recycling system at home:
- I want to do my part, but I don’t have space for large sorting bins. I need storage that’s flexible and easy to tuck away.
- I want to be able to collect enough recyclables to fit 1-2 weeks’ worth without cluttering the house.
- I want to be able to sort and carry my recyclables right away into the bin to save effort.
- I want to make recycling easy and accessible for everyone in the house (including my toddler).
Recycling works best when it’s simple and convenient, not something that feels like a chore.
For a while, I had been contemplating buying IKEA SORTERA sorting bins because they look sturdy and nice. But then I imagined how much space they would take up and how much of a hassle it would be to sort everything and then take it all out to the recycling bin again.
I realised I just need something simple that can be easily cleaned because, after all, the goal is to make recycling effortless, not another chore. And that’s where the Daiso Recycle Bag comes in.
Why I chose the Daiso Recycle Bag
This bag is not only affordable, but also compact, simple, spacious, and most importantly, easy to carry. It’s lightweight, can be folded away when not in use, and has separate sections to sort recyclables effortlessly.
It can stand upright by itself. Unlike bulky recycling bins that take up valuable floor space, I can easily tuck this bag into a corner or have the option to hang it on a hook. When it’s full, I can just grab the handles and take it straight to the recycling point. No mess, no fuss.
The best thing about this recycling bag is that it comes with pre-designed labels (paper, glass/metal, plastic), making it super easy to sort my recyclables. It’s also waterproof and easy to clean. Plus, if I need to go out after recycling, I can simply fold the bag neatly and bring it with me without any hassle.
The open-top design is great because it makes tossing items in so much easier. You can even do it with one hand since there’s no lid to deal with. I don’t have to worry about any smells because I always make sure my recyclables are clean and dry before putting them in.
Having a kid at home, my husband and I often find ourselves digging through our recycling station to repurpose materials. A big recycling bag like this is super convenient because it acts as a temporary holding space, especially when we’re building something fun or working on art and crafts projects for our toddler. It’s like a treasure chest of materials just waiting to be transformed!
Setting up a mini recycling station
Since I don’t have space for multiple bins, I use the Daiso bag as a central collection point for all of my recyclables. Here’s how I keep things organised:
1. Assign a spot
I keep the bag in the storeroom near the kitchen, where most recyclables like bottles and packaging pile up. It’s tucked away on the bottom shelf so it’s easy for my toddler to reach and help with recycling.
2. Clean and sort as needed
I make sure everything is clean and dry before recycling it. I don’t separate all the materials at home since they end up in one blue bin under my block anyway, but the sorting labels are a great way for my kid to learn about different types of recyclables.
3. Take it out
Because the bag has plenty of room and is easy to carry, I can empty it every few days. But I also have the option to collect more if I’m feeling lazy. It’s convenient and flexible!
A simple, affordable solution to recycling
For just a few dollars, the Daiso Recycle Bag gives me a simple, budget-friendly way to keep recycling organised without adding clutter to my small home.
Even with limited space, a little organisation can make a big difference. Having a designated spot for recycling helps keep things tidy and makes it easier to stick to the habit. Small changes like this add up over time!
