Singapore's Annual Plastic Waste: A Troubling Overview

Plastic waste is a pressing global issue, and Singapore is no exception. In 2023, the total volume of plastic waste in Singapore reached about 957,000 metric tons, with plastic waste making up around 14-15% of the country's total waste. Singapore's plastic waste has been steadily increasing, with an average annual increase of 20%. In 2019, Singapore was the global leader in per capita single-use plastic waste generation, with an estimated 76 kilograms produced per person. This waste often ends up in landfills, incinerators, or waterways, contributing to environmental degradation and posing threats to marine ecosystems and human well-being.

Plastic bag usage

However, plastic bags are extremely slow to break down, taking around 1,000 years to decompose. During this time, they break down into microplastics, which enter the food chain. To reduce plastic bag usage, some companies are encouraging customers to bring their own bags, and some retailers are charging a small fee for plastic bags. The PACT (Plastic Action) Initiative has also been successful in encouraging companies to stop giving out single-use plastic bags, with 270 F&B outlets signing up to the "No Straws Pledge".

To further reduce plastic bag waste, WWF-Singapore is promoting the switch to reusable packaging for online shopping. They are partnering with e-commerce retailers, packaging manufacturers, and logistics companies to make it easy for online shoppers to receive and return parcels in reusable packaging. This could save up to 2kg of CO2 for every kilogram of virgin material used, which is the equivalent of how much CO2 one tree absorbs in a month.

While some Singaporeans feel that plastic bags are necessary for lining bins, others are more enthusiastic about reducing their plastic bag usage. Overall, it is a challenging habit to break, but some progress is being made through these various initiatives.

Plastic bottle usage

Disposable clear plastic bottles, commonly used for water, drinks, and various products, are often made of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastic. This type of plastic is widely recyclable and is one of the better options to place in the blue bins for recycling in Singapore. However, it's important to ensure that the bottles are clean before recycling.

Unfortunately, Singapore's plastic recycling rates are low, which is a global issue. This means that even PET plastic bottles, which are technically recyclable, may not always be recycled in practice. The term "recyclable" does not always reflect the complex reality of the recycling process and the challenges it faces.

To address this issue, Singapore is taking steps towards a circular economy for plastics. WWF-Singapore, for example, advocates for a reduction in plastic usage and promotes sustainable alternatives, such as reusable packaging for online shopping. They also encourage consumers to make informed choices to reduce their plastic output. Additionally, the PACT (Plastic Action) Initiative has partnered with F&B outlets in Singapore to implement a "No Straws Pledge," aiming to reduce plastic straw usage.

While there are efforts to improve plastic bottle recycling and reduce plastic waste in Singapore, it is clear that more needs to be done. Educating consumers, encouraging reusable alternatives, and supporting proper waste management systems are crucial steps towards reducing plastic bottle usage and its environmental impact in the country.

Plastic straw usage

To address this issue, organisations like Plastic-Lite Singapore have been conducting talks at schools to raise awareness about the environmental impact of disposable plastics. Additionally, the PACT (Plastic Action) Initiative partnered with 270 F&B outlets to implement a "No Straws Pledge", with businesses phasing out straws completely.

Some businesses in Singapore have expressed concern that eliminating plastic straws may drive customers away. However, research has shown that consumers are supportive of efforts to reduce plastic straw usage. A report released on World Environment Day found that 80% of Singaporean consumers were ready to stop using plastic straws, with 84% willing to go without straws entirely and 81% open to using environmentally friendly alternatives.

To accommodate customers with specific medical needs, some outlets provide plastic straws upon request. These outlets have implemented measures to track the number of straws used and promote their actions online, receiving positive feedback from consumers.

The movement against plastic straws is gaining momentum internationally, with Scotland, Taiwan, and several American states taking steps to limit or ban their use. Singapore's efforts to reduce plastic straw consumption align with this global trend, demonstrating a commitment to mitigating plastic pollution and its harmful effects on the environment and human health.

Plastic packaging waste

The problem of plastic packaging waste in Singapore is exacerbated by the high usage of single-use plastic bags and bottled water. In 2013, a survey by the Singapore Environment Council revealed that 3 billion plastic bags were used in Singapore, with consumers taking about 820 million bags from supermarkets annually. This equates to each person in Singapore using approximately 1.6 plastic bags per day, twice the rate of usage in Malaysia and three times that of Australia. Despite initiatives to reduce plastic bag usage, such as the Retail Bag Charge Pledge, plastic bags continue to be widely used and contribute significantly to the country's waste.

Bottled water is another significant contributor to plastic packaging waste in Singapore. Despite the availability of safe tap water, the bottled water industry thrives, with a 24% increase in sales between 2013 and 2018. The majority of these bottles are packaged in single-use plastic containers, and only a small fraction is recycled. An estimated 467 million plastic bottles are consumed annually in Singapore, filling approximately 94 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

To address the issue of plastic packaging waste, various initiatives have been implemented in Singapore. The PACT (Plastic Action) Initiative partnered with 270 F&B outlets to implement a "No Straws Pledge," aiming to reduce the use of plastic straws. Additionally, WWF-Singapore has been campaigning for a global plastics treaty and promoting the use of reusable packaging for online shopping. These efforts aim to reduce the environmental impact of plastic packaging waste and encourage more sustainable practices in the country.

Plastic waste disposal methods

In 2023, Singapore generated about 957,000 metric tons of plastic waste, making up around 14% of the country's total waste. Plastic waste is a pressing issue, as it can take anywhere from 50 to 1,000 years for plastic to break down, often ending up in landfills, the oceans, or waterways, causing significant environmental harm. To address this, Singapore has implemented initiatives like the PACT (Plastic Action) campaign, which includes a "No Straws Pledge" and a Retail Bag Charge to reduce plastic waste.

Now, let's discuss some plastic waste disposal methods in detail:

Landfills

Landfills are locations where plastic waste is discarded and buried. While this method is intended to provide a safer area for plastic disposal, it has several drawbacks. Landfills require a significant amount of space, which could otherwise be used for more profitable activities like agriculture. Additionally, plastic decomposition in landfills can take a long time, and the contaminated land remains inaccessible for extended periods. Poorly managed dumps can also result in plastic bags and bottles being blown into oceans and waterways.

Recycling

Recycling is considered the best option for plastic waste disposal. It allows for the most use of plastic during its lifespan and provides an opportunity to create new products from recycled materials. However, recycling is often underutilized due to poor collection or sorting, and there is a risk of recycled plastics ending up in waterways. Effective recycling requires an aware public and proper waste management systems.

Incineration

Incineration, or waste incineration, is the process of turning plastic waste into ash, flue gas, and heat. It is advantageous in terms of energy recovery and requires very little space. However, incineration may have environmental implications, and the potential release of pollutants during the burning process is a concern.

Biodegradation

Biodegradation is an environmentally responsible method where microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and certain enzymes, break down plastic material into simpler substances like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. While biodegradable plastics offer a potential solution to plastic waste issues, there are concerns about the possible release of metals during the decomposition process. Proper waste collection and disposal systems are necessary even for biodegradable plastics.

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