Singapore Waste Management

Question 1

Why is it crucial that Singapore has an efficient system of waste collection and disposal?

Answer 1

Very limited land area

Dense population

Question 2

How is wasted collected?

How often is it collected?

Answer 2

Bin trucks

Once a fortnight

Question 3

Where does the waste collected go?

Answer 3

Goes to recycling and incineration plants

Semakau, offshore landfill

Question 4

How much of the waste produced in 2012 was recycled?

Answer 4

60%

Question 5

How much of the waste produced in 2012 was incinerated?

Where does incineration occur?

Answer 5

37%

At 4 waste to energy plants

Question 6

How much of the waste produced was transported to Semakau?

Answer 6

3%

Question 7

What is Semakau’s capacity?

Answer 7

3 million m^3

Question 8

What has been done to prevent water pollution from Semakau?

Answer 8

Impermeable membrane lining the perimeter

Also layers of clay and rock

Question 9

How long is Semakau estimated to last before becoming full?

What happens after this?

Answer 9

1999- 2045

Singapore will once again have the dilemma of where to put their waste

Question 10

How much of Singapore’s energy does waste burning generate?

Answer 10

2-3%

Question 11

What could be done with the ash from incineration in the future?
Advantages of this?

Answer 11

Used for pavements (currently being tested)

Sends less to landfill

Question 12

What is the other use of Semakau?

Activities that happen here?

Answer 12

Eco Park

Bird watching and stargazing

Question 13

How does Semakau enhance biodiversity?

Answer 13

Home to more than 700 plants, animals and endangered species

Question 14

What percentage of toxic gases and metals are removed with the pollution filters in the incineration plant?

Answer 14

99%