Singapore's Zero-Waste Plan - A Masterstroke to Tackle Climate Change

International Journal of Economics and Management Studies

© 2022 by SSRG - IJEMS Journal

Volume 9 Issue 8

Year of Publication : 2022

Authors : Ishita Gupta

10.14445/23939125/IJEMS-V9I8P102

How to Cite?

Ishita Gupta, "Singapore's Zero-Waste Plan - A Masterstroke to Tackle Climate Change," SSRG International Journal of Economics and Management Studies, vol. 9,  no. 8, pp. 8-22, 2022. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23939125/IJEMS-V9I8P102

Abstract:

Singapore has pledged to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030 and reduce emissions by half to 33 MtCO2e (million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) by around 2050. [1] To meet these targets, the country has made numerous plans. This research study analyses the country's most ambitious plan to become a zero-waste nation. Zero-waste can be achieved through several pathways. The study developed a "forecast model" of Singapore's waste market, which provides a great framework to model and observe different pathways and see what is required to reach a zero-waste target. The study presents its observations on a likely pathway to reach zero-waste status.
      The study forecast that to achieve zero waste, Singapore's total waste generation at source should see a major reduction from 1273 kg/capita/annum in 2021 to about 1000 kg/capita/annum by 2050. To reduce waste generation at the source, the prime focus must be on the domestic sector, where waste recycling rates are low even after a lot of effort from the government. Consumer awareness and participation are still low and the biggest barrier to achieving a zero-waste target. In addition to stepping up its consumer awareness programs, the government must roll out new and innovative rewards-based programs for consumers to increase their involvement in waste management. The share of domestic waste should also be reduced from 26% in 2021 to less than 20% in 2050.
     Even if Singapore achieves a 70% recycling rate by 2030, it will be difficult to achieve zero-waste. Recycling must increase dramatically from 55% in 2021 to more than 95% by 2050 for a zero-waste status, mainly on the domestic front, where recycling was only 13% in 2021. The study shows that the three waste categories to focus on for recycling should be paper/cardboard, plastics and food. As the recycling rate increases, the domestic industry to handle recyclables must also grow simultaneously rather than relying on the export market for recyclables.
     Even with a lower waste generation and high recycling rate, zero-waste cannot be achieved without reducing the amount of incineration ash generated. In 2021, about 520,000 tons of incineration ash was sent to landfill. New waste-to-energy technologies must be considered to reduce the current incineration ash sent to landfill. Alternative uses for ash must be developed and commercialised to recycle unavoidable ash generated.
     Overall, the study believes that although it is challenging, Singapore's plan to become a zero-waste nation is a masterstroke in Singapore's climate action plan. Meeting the zero-waste target can help Singapore cut carbon emissions by 9.1 MtCO2e, equivalent to 30% of its climate change pledge by 2050.

Keywords:

Carbon emission, Circular economy, Climate change, Landfill, Waste management.

References:

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