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E-waste in Singapore is on the rise, driven by rapid tech adoption, short device lifecycles, and limited awareness around proper disposal. With over 33 billion phones sold globally since 2000 and 97% of Singaporeans owning a smartphone, our digital lifestyle comes at a growing environmental cost.
In just five years, 2.9 million devices have been removed from circulation in Singapore, many unused, unrecycled, and forgotten in drawers or landfills.
To better understand and address this challenge, Cinch partnered with global sustainability consultancy Steward Redqueen to commission the “Rethinking E-Waste” white paper. The report draws on insights from Singaporean consumers and includes expert contributions from CompAsia, and ALBA.
Together, we explored how circular business models, like device subscriptions, trade-ins, and proper recycling—can reduce e-waste in Singapore and build a more sustainable tech ecosystem.
Why is E-waste in Singapore a Big Problem?
Singapore leads the region in smartphone adoption, with premium brands like Apple and Samsung making up 73% of all phones sold. But with this comes frequent upgrades: on average, Singaporeans change their phones every 2.7 years, compared to the global average of 3.5 years.
This fast upgrade cycle creates unnecessary waste. Many devices are still functional when replaced, and yet:
60% of users keep old phones unused
Only 20% recycle them through proper e-waste channels
About 4% throw them away, sending toxic materials like lead and mercury into landfills
When phones are improperly discarded, it’s not just the waste that’s a problem—it’s also the extraction of 268kg of raw materials needed to build a single smartphone, much of which cannot be recovered without proper recycling.
What Exactly Happens to Your Old Phones?
Our survey found that most Singaporeans either store, give away, or trade in their old phones. But many don’t know what else to do, and over half were unaware of existing recycling or disposal options.
Here’s what typically happens to devices after they’re replaced:
32% keep them indefinitely
32% sell or trade them in
12% pass them to friends or family
20% recycle them
4% dispose of them improperly
This shows there’s huge potential to extend the life of devices—if we make reuse and recycling easier.
The Solution: A Circular Economy for Devices
The answer lies in moving from a linear economy (buy, use, throw) to a circular economy—where devices are reused, refurbished, and responsibly recycled.
For smartphones, this means:
Extending the lifespan of devices
Promoting refurbished tech
Making it easy for consumers to return and reuse old phones
This is where device subscription models like Cinch come in. Instead of buying and tossing, consumers rent the latest devices and return them at the end of use. We take care of refurbishing, repairs, or responsible recycling—keeping devices in circulation and out of landfills.
What is Device Subscription, and How Does it Help?
Device subscription, also called Device-as-a-Service (DaaS), lets you rent premium phones or laptops with flexibility to upgrade, return, or buy later.
At Cinch, our subscription model provides:
Access to high-end devices without large upfront costs
Accidental damage protection and rapid repairs
Easy returns and upgrades
Built-in refurbishment and recycling at end-of-life
Because we retain ownership, we make sure each device is reused or recycled properly. This keeps products in circulation longer and cuts down on e-waste.
Since 2022, we’ve deployed over 10,000 devices, with over 90% reused through multiple rental cycles—proof that access doesn’t have to mean ownership.
Are Singaporeans Ready for Refurbished and Reused Tech?
Yes, and interest is growing fast. Our white paper revealed:
30% of Singaporeans have already purchased a second-hand or refurbished phone
67% believe consumers must take more responsibility for reducing e-waste
But only 35% are currently willing to pay more for sustainable options
The solution? Make sustainable tech more affordable and more convenient. That’s where businesses like Cinch, CompAsia, and ALBA are stepping in—offering real value, not just environmental benefits.
What is Singapore Already Doing to Tackle E-waste?
Singapore has made major strides in the last few years:
The NEA launched the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in 2021
ALBA was appointed the national operator for e-waste collection
Over 22,300 tonnes of e-waste have been collected since 2021
There are now 870+ collection points islandwide
Government funding also supports businesses that implement recycling programs, offering up to 80% cost co-funding if they meet sustainability targets.
A Future of Tech Without E-waste in Singapore
At Cinch, our mission is simple: give people access to technology, without creating more waste.
We’re building a circular ecosystem where:
Consumers get the latest devices, sustainably
Businesses cut tech costs and emissions
Old devices are refurbished, reused, or properly recycled
Nothing ends up in landfill before its time
With continued collaboration and innovation, Singapore has everything it needs to become a global leader in the circular tech economy.
Want to be part of the solution?
Whether you’re a business looking to reduce costs and carbon, or a consumer ready to try smarter tech, Cinch can help you rethink the way you use devices.
Download the full white paper here.
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