Urban waste

Question 1

About Singapore

Answer 1

An island off Malaysia that is almost entirely urban.
In 1970, they produced 1260 tonnes of waste a day, by 2015 that figure had grown to 8400 tonnes.
Waste management was important due to its dense population and limited land area.

Question 2

Waste management in Singapore

Answer 2

To minimise land use, companies are pioneering new waster management techniques.
In the 60s and 70s, most waste was sent to landfill, however nowadays 92% is incinerated.
The rest is landfilled at a unique off-shore waste facility. In 1979 the first incineration plant was constructed, and there are now 4 on the island.
The plants provide 3% of Singapore’s energy needs.
50% of waste was recycled in 2015.
They are pushing towards zero landfill and are aiming for Singapore to be the centre for waste management technology in the region.

Question 3

Semakau

Answer 3

Singapores only remaing landfill site.
It is built on reclaimed land between 2 small islands.
It is lined with an impermeable membrane and a layer of clay to prevent the leaching of chemicals.

Question 4

Criticism’s of Singapore’s waste management

Answer 4

Pollution control systems cannot remove all harmful emissions from incinerators, and they only last around 10 years before they need to be replaced.