Singapore’s Paper Waste Problem: Why Digital Flyers Are the Smart, Sustainable Alternative
Singapore prides itself on being a clean, green, and forward-thinking city. But, beneath the polished surface lies a growing concern: paper waste is reaching alarming levels, and recycling is becoming increasingly difficult. For business owners who still rely on printed flyers, this issue is not just an environmental one – it’s a costly and outdated method of marketing that no longer fits Singapore’s sustainability goals.
In this article, we explore the rising paper waste problem in Singapore, why recycling rates are dropping, and why digital flyers are emerging as the smarter, cleaner alternative for both businesses and environmental warriors.
Singapore’s Growing Paper Waste Problem
Singapore has seen a significant shift in waste patterns over the past decade, and unfortunately, paper waste is moving in the wrong direction. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), the recycling rate for paper and cardboard dropped from 52% in 2018 to only 32% in 2024 — a drastic fall in just six years. This decline has been a major contributing factor to Singapore’s overall dip in recycling performance.
Paper waste is increasing at record levels
The Straits Times reported that Singapore produced 1.27 million tonnes of paper and cardboard waste in 2024, the highest in the past ten years. While paper waste initially decreased between 2014 and 2019, the rise of e-commerce and packaging during the COVID-19 pandemic reversed that progress entirely.
More online shopping means more packaging materials – and more paper waste entering the system.
Why recycling paper in Singapore is becoming harder
Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Janil Puthucheary shared several challenges:
- Higher collection costs due to manpower shortages
- Rising transport and freight expenses
- Fluctuating global commodity prices, affecting business viability
- No local paper pulping facilities, meaning all recyclable paper must be exported
- High contamination levels, with nearly 40% of commingled recycling bins spoiled by food waste and non-recyclables
- This means that even if you dispose of paper responsibly, much of it still ends up being thrown away.
Printed flyers contribute directly to the waste problem
Anyone living in Singapore knows the sight well – paper flyers stuffed in letterboxes, scattered around void decks, or left sticking out of gates. Most residents toss them out immediately, and many never get recycled due to contamination or improper disposal.
For businesses, this means two things:
- Your printed flyers are likely being thrown away unread, and
- You’re contributing to a nationwide waste challenge during a time when sustainability is expected — even demanded — by consumers.
As Singapore pushes toward environmental responsibility under the SG Green Plan 2030, the traditional printed flyer is becoming increasingly out of place.
Why Digital Flyers Are the Clean, Modern Solution Singapore Needs
With rising costs, tighter regulations, sustainability expectations, and declining print effectiveness, businesses need a smarter way forward. That’s where digital flyers — especially through platforms like FDSG — step in as a future-ready, eco-friendly solution.
Digital flyers eliminate waste completely
The most obvious benefit is also the most important:
Digital flyers create zero paper waste.
- No printing.
- No distribution litter.
- No contamination issues.
- No overflowing recycling bins.
For environmental warriors, this is a simple and meaningful shift – and for businesses, it’s a way to show genuine commitment to sustainability.
Lower marketing costs for business owners
Traditional flyer distribution is expensive:
- Printing costs
- Delivery manpower
- Logistics
- Reprints for updates or errors
Digital flyers eliminate all of these. With FDSG, businesses can upload once, update anytime, and distribute instantly – at a fraction of the price.
Bigger reach and faster visibility
Unlike printed flyers that rely on foot traffic or neighbourhood distribution, digital flyers can reach thousands of users through:
- FDSG’s mobile app
- QR scans
- Social media sharing
- WhatsApp links
- SMS broadcasts
- Email campaigns
- Video integration
Your reach is no longer limited by physical geography — you can target users anywhere in Singapore.
Track performance in real time
This is something paper flyers will never achieve.
Digital flyers on FDSG offer insights such as:
- Number of views
- Shares
- Link clicks
- QR scans
- Coupon usage
- Location-based performance
Businesses finally get transparent, measurable data to guide marketing decisions — instead of guessing based on response rates.
More engaging and flexible than print
Digital flyers support interactive elements like:
- WhatsApp click-to-contact
- Video embeds
- Maps and location tags
- Price filters
- Multiple images
- Strong, clear descriptions
- Contact information
- Social sharing functions
This level of engagement is impossible with static paper flyers.
Supports Singapore’s sustainability goals
Switching from print to digital aligns with:
- SG Green Plan 2030
- Zero-waste initiatives
- Estate cleanliness goals
- Corporate sustainability expectations
For socially responsible businesses, this shift enhances brand image, builds customer trust, and demonstrates environmental leadership.
Make the Switch: Be Part of a Cleaner, Smarter Singapore
Singapore’s paper waste problem is not slowing down — but businesses have the power to make meaningful change. Digital flyers offer cleaner estates, lower costs, measurable results, and stronger engagement.
If you want to promote your business without contributing to paper waste, it’s time to move forward. Go digital. Go sustainable. Go further with FDSG.
Create your digital flyer today and support a cleaner Singapore.