How to Dispose of Flower Pots and Plants in Singapore the Right Way
Whether you plan to move, clear your garden, or declutter your home, you may find that disposing of old flower pots and plants gets more complicated than expected. In Singapore, improper disposal can lead to fines or environmental harm. To help you stay compliant and eco friendly, here is a simple guide on how to dispose of flower pots and plants responsibly.
1. Can You Throw Flower Pots Away?
Flower pots made of plastic, clay, terracotta, or ceramic do not count as general household waste. These materials usually cannot go into recycling bins because they contain soil, roots, and contaminants.
You can schedule a pickup with a disposal company if you need to clear multiple pots. Disposal fees apply.
Tip: Empty and clean your pots before you dispose of them. This helps if you want to recycle or donate the items.
2. Best Ways to Dispose of Flower Pots
You have several responsible options for clearing old pots. Here are the most practical choices.
a. Reuse or Repurpose
You can turn old pots into:
- Storage for tools or art supplies
- Decorative indoor holders
- Mini organisers for small home items
b. Donate or Give Away
Many gardeners still look for used pots in good condition. You can:
- Offer them to friends or neighbour gardeners
- Donate to community gardens
- Post on groups like Singapore Freecycle or Gardening Kaki SG
- Sell or give them away on Carousell or Facebook Marketplace
c. Recycle (When Applicable)
Plastic pots with recycling codes 2 or 5 may qualify for recycling if you wash them thoroughly.
Clay and ceramic pots usually do not qualify, but you can break them into smaller pieces and use them as drainage layers for new pots.
3. How to Dispose of Unwanted Plants
Once you remove the pots, you also need to clear the plants. Here are the best ways to handle them.
a. Compost the Plants
You can compost small plants, leaves, and trimmings at home if you have a compost bin.
You can also explore NEA community composting programmes across Singapore.
b. Use Household Waste Collection
If you only have a few trimmings, bundle them and place them out for your public waste collectors.
For larger amounts of garden waste, you can hire a bulky waste disposal service like Easy Disposal for quick and efficient removal.
4. When Should You Use a Professional Disposal Service
If you need to remove large pots, heavy planters, soil, or an entire garden’s worth of items, a professional service helps you save time and avoid mess. A disposal team can:
- Clear bulky pots and planters
- Remove soil and garden debris
- Handle transport and proper disposal
At Easy Disposal, we provide fast and convenient same day bulky waste pickup for homeowners and gardeners.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a pickup and get a quick quote.
Submit an Online quote
FAQs
Q1: Can I throw flower pots into the general waste bin?
Only in small amounts. Large quantities should be collected by a disposal service.
Q2: Will you take soil or garden waste too?
Yes, we can clear both flower pots and plant waste.
Q3: Are ceramic pots recyclable?
No, but they can be reused or safely discarded.
Q4: Do I need to clean the pots before disposal?
Yes. Empty and rinse pots if you’re donating or recycling them.
Q5: What if I have large garden planters to get rid of?
We provide disposal services for heavy and oversized pots.