Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)
Background of the Initiative:
A: We want to encourage our NUS community to reduce disposable takeaway food and drink containers which, make up 24% of our general waste today[1]. This translates to individuals either dining in more or using reusable containers more. We believe NUS is ready for this change where surveys conducted revealed 72% of our community support the phasing out of single-use disposables at NUS canteens[2] .
Since January 2022, a reusable container pilot has been active at the Techno Edge canteen. While the pilot showed a high return rate (more than 80%), the usage of the system could not be driven up even with incentivisation and ground ambassadors present. We believe the default arrangement is the next step to shift users to adopt the new habit.
Given the impact from such an initiative is expected to be significant, we are starting small with the Fruit Juice Stall at Techno Edge and extended the initiative to Ventus Building Cafe. We look forward to learning and extending the initiative as part of our policy commitment as part of the Zero Waste NUS Action Plan 2030.
[1] Based on waste composition studies conducted in April/May 2022.
[2] Based on surveys conducted in September 2020, February 2021 and November 2021.
A: Disposables are not recycled in Singapore. We want to reduce the generation of disposables by encouraging more to use reusables. In particular, plastic disposables (e.g. PP5) are not recycled in NUS, only PET1 and HDPE2 are recycled.
A: For now, the reusable container rental system continues to be available at the Taiwanese, Chicken Rice, Vegetarian, Indian and Mixed Rice stalls upon request when taking away (i.e. not by default).
A: There are no additional payment with regards to the initiative at Techno Edge Canteen (no additional charge for the use of reusable cups at the Fruit Juice Stall). To note, for food containers, the reusables cost 10 cents (vs. disposables that cost 30 cents). For the initiative at Ventus Cafe, no additional payment with regards to bring your own reusables or use the wares provided.
Scope of the Trial:
A: As a default for both Techno Edge fruit juice stall and Ventus Cafe, you would need to either use a mug (dine in) or a reusable cup (takeaway) for your drinks. For the food takeaway, you are strongly encourage to dine-in or bring your own containers. If you are a Ventus user, you may loan the wares provided, however do ensure that you return the wares after use.
Disposable wares are available on a case-by-case basis.
Kindly do write into us at zerowaste@nus.edu.sg.
Only Applicable at Techno Edge Canteen
A: We encourage you to use the GoZeroWasteNUS app (the existing reusable rental system at Techno Edge canteen – click here for more information):
- Download the GoZeroWaste App (download from the Apple App or Google Play stores)
- Follow the instructions on the screen to declare the number of cups borrowed
- Show your confirmation screen to the stallholder.
- Return your cups to one of the return stations (Techno Edge canteen, E4 near LT6 and SDE4 Level 3) after you have finished your drink.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to declare the number of cups returned.
Alternatively, if you are unable to download the app:
- Fill up the “Borrow” Microsoft Form (This is available on the banner at the stall. Check with the ambassadors onsite or the stallholder should you face any issues).
- Follow the instructions on the screen to declare the number of cups borrowed
- Show your confirmation screen to the stallholder.
- Return your cups to one of the return stations (Techno Edge canteen, E4 near LT6 and SDE4 Level 3) after you have finished your drink.
- Fill up the “Return” Microsoft Form (This is available at the return stations) to declare the number of cups returned:
Note: Kindly return the cups after using them as they belong to the Fruit Juice stall. The default limit is set to 2 cups. Do return the cups before borrowing more (a reminder would be sent to you for cups not returned beyond 1 week).
Others:
A: For now, reusable straws/ utensils are not provided. You may request for disposable straws to go along with the reusable cup. However, we encourage you to reduce single-use disposable waste where possible.
A: No. The volume of the reusable cup is the same as the disposable cup.
A: Similar to dine-in plates and cutlery, borrowed reusables will be steam-washed at Techno Edge (put through high-temperature washing to kill any bacteria). While all containers will be washed when returned, we recommend you empty the contents and rinse should they be kept overnight or longer.
For the initiative at Ventus Cafe, the stall holder do wash and rinse all the dine-in wares when available, if you loan any wares from the stall, do return in time for them to wash them.
For more information on the reusable rental system, please refer to the FAQ for the Reusable System Pilot at Techno Edge Canteen