Recycle red packets in Singapore

Every Chinese New Year, there’s that little spark of joy when you receive an angbao, and some of us even go the extra mile to collect the nicer ones. But once the festivities are over, they usually end up stuffed in drawers or slowly forming a mini mountain on your desk. And when it’s time for spring cleaning again, straight into the bin they go.

If that sounds all too familiar, you can do something different this year by recycling your used red packets instead, giving them a second life and contributing to a good cause at the same time.

Can red packets be recycled?

Yes, but not all of them. Angbaos with no foil or gold stamping can be treated like regular paper and recycled as per usual.

However, the nicer designs we love are typically the fancy kind, with metallic prints, glittery finishes, or embossed gold details. Because of the ink, foil, and metallic elements used, these red packets aren’t easy to recycle through our regular blue bins.

That’s why there are alternative red packet recycling options around Singapore – usually organised by banks and brands – that specifically collect and process used red packets properly.

Where to recycle red packets in Singapore?

At Maybank branches & selected bus interchanges 

Image adapted from: Maybank via Facebook

Don’t let your stash of used angbaos collect dust at home – there’s an easy way to clear them and do some good while you’re at it. Maybank is running a red packet recycling drive across Singapore, with 22 collection points located at their branches and selected bus interchanges. All you have to do is gather your empty festive packets and drop them off.

From now till the end of May 2026, the bank is pledging $100 towards community causes for every KG of empty angbaos collected, supporting seniors, families in need, and caregivers. The initiative caps at $800,000, so every angbao you recycle genuinely contributes to making a difference.

Here’s the full list of Maybank branches and bus interchanges where you can go to recycle your red packets:

Find out more about Maybank’s red packet recycling initiative.

At DBS/POSB branches

Image credit: DBS Bank

Another easy option is dropping your used angbaos off at any DBS Bank or POSB branch islandwide.

Fun fact: since 2021, DBS has already recycled 15,387kg of red packets and QR gift cards. Instead of going to waste, these collected angbaos are upcycled into new paper products, like cardboard boxes, giving them a new lease of life.

The recycling bins accept both red packets and QR gift cards – toss them into the designated recycling bins available at DBS/POSB branches during operating hours.

See the full list of DBS/POSB branches with red packet recycling bins.

At malls, hospitals, shops & workspaces 

Image credit: @genecosg via Instagram

Geneco’s red packet recycling drive, now in its 6th year, collects used and excess red packets, and everyone is invited to chip in from now till 31st March 2026.

This year, the brand has welcomed new friends to the effort, including Lendlease, SAFRA, SingHealth, Suntec City, and Takashimaya Department Store.

You’ll find the red packet recycling bins at over 250 locations nationwide, making dropping off your used angbaos way easier. Locations include malls like Plaza Singapura, hospitals such as Singapore General Hospital, and office spaces like Suntec Office Towers 1 to 5.

Check out the full list of Geneco’s red packet recycling bins.

It’s easier to recycle your red packets than you think

Recycling your red packets is honestly one of the easiest ways to declutter post-CNY and do a little good on the side. So the next time you’re out and about, bring a small stack along and drop them into one of these collection bins.

Other recycling articles:

• Free FairPrice vouchers by smart recycling
• Beverage Container Recycling Scheme
• SembWaste Materials Recovery Facility

Cover image adapted from: @genecosg via Instagram, The Smart Local via Facebook