Give Red Packets a Second Life: Recycle Your Ang Baos This Lunar New Year

Red packets, or ang baos, are a cherished tradition during Lunar New Year, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. However, many red packets contain metallic foil, plastic coatings, and deep red dyes, making them challenging to recycle through regular paper recycling bins.

Image: Circular Connection

Improper disposal contributes to unnecessary waste, but efforts across Singapore provide ways for the community to recycle them responsibly.

Several initiatives encourage individuals to drop off used or excess red packets at designated collection points. DBS and POSB have set up recycling bins at all their branches, allowing red packets and QR Gift cards to be deposited throughout the year.

Image: Facebook/OCBC

Similarly, OCBC Bank has introduced recycling boxes at its branches for a limited time, repurposing collected red packets into cardboard products.

For greater convenience, Geneco's #PowerTheChange campaign has worked with several partners, including CapitaLand malls, Frasers Property, Takashimaya Department Store and Bras Basah Complex, to facilitate red packet recycling this year.

Images: Facebook/Geneco, Pexels/Đức Phúc

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Red Packet Recycling Locations and Dates

DBS/POSB

• Where: Selected DBS/POSB branches across Singapore

• When: Available all year round

• Accepted Items: Used red packets and QR Gift cards

• Locate your nearest DBS/POSB red packet recycling box here!

OCBC Bank

• Where: All OCBC branches in Singapore

• When: 20 Feb to 18 Mar 2026

• Accepted Items: Used and excess red packets

• Process: Collected packets will be pulped and repurposed into cardboard products

• Locate your nearest OCBC branch here!

Geneco

• Where - Several collection points can be found at:

  • Participating CapitaLand malls

  • Takashimaya Department Store

  • Bras Basah Complex (Level 1 Redemption Counter)

  • Oasis Terraces (Level 3 Redemption Counter)

  • Northshore Plaza (Level 2 Redemption Counter - Outside Decathlon)

  • Buangkok Square (Level 1 Security Counter)

  • Plantation Plaza (Level 2 Redemption Counter - Outside Skechers)

  • Anchorvale Village (Level 1 Information Counter)

  • Kitchener Complex

  • Suntec City

  • SAFRA

  • Singhealth

• When: Now till 31 March 2026

• Accepted Items: Used and excess red packets

• Find your nearest Geneco collection point here!

By taking a simple step to drop off red packets at these collection points, individuals contribute to reducing waste and supporting Singapore’s sustainability efforts. This Lunar New Year, embracing eco-friendly traditions can help protect the environment while preserving cultural heritage.

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First published: 3 Feb 2025

Updated: 20 Feb 2026