Singapore

Question 1

Background to waste in Singapore

Answer 1

The island is almost entirely urbanised
In 2015 8400 tonnes of waste were produced per day

Question 2

When did they change from landfill to incineration?

Answer 2

In the 60s and 70s waste was sent to landfill
In thr 1970s the government changed to incineration policy with energy recovery as they were running out of space

Question 3

Describe the remaining landfill site

Answer 3

The remaining land fill site is called Semaku
It is built with an impermeable membrane and clay to prevent leaching
It has wildlife there including rare species

Question 4

How much of Singapores energy do the 4 incineration plants provide?

Answer 4

3%

Question 5

What percentage of waste is now recycled in Singapore

Answer 5

60%

Question 6

When will Semaku be filled?

Answer 6

2040

Question 7

What percentage of waste is incinerated?

Answer 7

38%

Question 8

What percentage of waste is reduced by incineration?
Where does the remaining % go?

Answer 8

90%
10%- Semaku

Question 9

What is an issue with transportation of waste during the incineration process?

Answer 9

It produces high levels of greenhouse gases
1.56 million tonnes of GHG emissions in 2017 from waste to energy plants

Question 10

What happens with the heat produced during the incineration process?

Answer 10

It is converted into electricity
1,600MWh produced everyday
Enough to power 125,000 homes

Question 11

How long do incinerators last?

Answer 11

10 years
At the rate of waste production a new one would have ti be constructed every 7-10 years

Question 12

What happens when an area of Semaku is filled with ash from the incineration plant?

Answer 12

Covered with topsoil to support vegetation
The landfill site is now home to rare species such as the Malaysian plovers

Question 13

How can the greenhouse gases produced by the incinerators be limited?

Answer 13

Each incinerator is fitted with pollution control systems
These can reduce up to 90% of harmful emissions