What this big blue bin is doing in Hwa Chong

Written by: Xinxuan Yang (25S70)

Edited by: Gilbert Goh (25S6C)

As part of Hwa Chong Institution’s continued commitment towards environmental stewardship, Hwa Chong Green Council has launched a new sustainability initiative across the school campus with the introduction of the Cora Smart Recycling Bin. 

This is carried out in partnership with Cora Environment, one of Singapore’s leading sustainable waste management companies. Otherwise known as REHub, the Cora Smart Recycling Bin is part of Cora Environment’s flagship Cora School Recycling League, which aims to cultivate environmental awareness and instil good recycling habits in students. By integrating smart technology into recycling infrastructure, the Cora Bin encourages students to embrace sustainability as a regular part of their routines when they are in school, and by extension, in daily life.

You may have noticed these bins conveniently located around the school, making it easier than ever for students to play an active role in responsible recycling. In the College section, the bin can be found in the area outside the Cafe, while in the High School section, it is located at the canteen. Students accommodated at the Boarding School can also enjoy the availability of the Cora Bin, placed at Block F.

The Cora Bin is located outside the Cafe in the College section of Hwa Chong Institution. Hwa Chong Publications Society/Gilbert Goh

Designed with user convenience in mind, REHub features clearly labelled compartments that guide proper waste segregation. With the tap of a few buttons on the screen, students can easily dispose of recyclable items, ranging from used notes, worksheets, textbooks, to PET plastic bottles.

Unlike conventional blue recycling bins, the Cora Smart Recycling Bin functions as a smart recycling hub that tracks and reports recycling activities in real time. Each bin is equipped with sensors that would notify Cora Environment when recycling capacity in the bin reaches 80 percent. This ensures timely collection and prevents overflowing bins, which is often a problem with traditional blue recycling bins, where students may be discouraged from recycling when the bins are full. 

Beyond improving waste collection, the Cora Smart Recycling Bin also generates valuable data recycling volume and usage patterns across different school cohorts. These insights allow schools to design targeted sustainable initiatives that strengthen long term recycling habits among students and staff. In 2025 alone, with the help of the Cora Bin, schools tripled their recycling efforts, collectively recycling 46 tonnes of materials ranging from paper and plastic to metal cans.

The introduction of the Cora Smart Recycling Bin marks a meaningful step forward in strengthening the environmental action within our Hwa Chong community, while also supporting Singapore’s national efforts to reduce landfill waste. Do check them out if you have any spare bottles or papers to recycle!