Couple scavenge for donated items in recycling bin: It's 'getting out of hand,' says Cloop co-founder
It is happening more often.
A couple was caught on video raiding a Cloop textile recycling bin in Sengkang in the middle of the night on Feb 16.
Sharing a 10-minute video of the incident, Stomper Shubby Gamer said the couple were seen loitering in a shelter near the distinctive yellow bins in Compassvale Drive at around 12.30am.
"After some time, the man climbed into one of the bins and began sifting through the donated items while his female companion stood nearby, keeping watch," recounted the Stomper.
"In the video footage, the man can be seen passing various items to the woman, who carefully sorted through the bags, searching for valuables. She was also seen discreetly slipping some of the smaller items into her pocket. Among the items they took were a pair of shoes."
The bins belong to Cloop, which describes itself as a "circular fashion social enterprise focused on reducing fashion overconsumption and waste by helping consumers close the textile loop with solutions for pre-loved apparel/textiles and sustainable shopping alternatives".
The Stomper said: "It is important to remember that these bins are meant for recycling and charitable donations, not for individuals to exploit for personal gain."
The video has since gone viral online.
In response to media queries, a Cloop spokesperson confirmed it was aware of the incident and said similar cases had occurred before. The organisation works with its recycling partner, Lifeline Clothing, to prevent such activities.
To curb theft, Cloop has implemented several measures, including installing surveillance cameras in high-risk areas, positioning bins near existing CCTV cameras, and collaborating with the community to monitor suspicious activity.
Cloop co-founder Jasmine Tuan posted on Instagram: "Initially, we had only one or two reported cases, but now it's becoming more frequent and is getting out of hand.
"While we can't stop people from taking items from the textile recycling bins, we do not encourage stealing in any form.
"Hopefully, this raises awareness and helps discourage such actions, while also highlighting more respectful and sustainable shopping alternatives through Cloop, where part of the proceeds support good causes (cloop.sg/beneficiaries). This is not one of them.
"We worked with MOM (Ministry of Manpower) to distribute free items to workers monthly.
"Hopefully, this will help discourage people from taking items from the textile recycling bins or putting themselves at risk while doing so."
