Alexei Volkov
Singapore's plastic recycling rate is extremely low, with only 4% of plastic being recycled in 2020, rising to 6% in 2021 and 2022. This is due to a variety of factors, including a lack of infrastructure, consumer knowledge, and contamination of recycled waste. Singapore uses about 1.76 billion plastic items each year, and with water scarcity being an issue, it is rare for used plastics to be cleaned with water before being exported for recycling. The contamination rate for recycled waste is high, with close to 40% of recyclables collected unable to be recycled due to food and liquid waste. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has acknowledged that more needs to be done to improve the rate as it remains low.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Recycling Rate in Singapore | 4% in 2020, 6% in 2021, 6% in 2023 |
| Plastic Waste Generated | 1.76 billion plastic items per year, or more than a million tonnes per year |
| Plastic Bags Used | 3 billion per year, or 820 million per year |
| Plastic Bottles Used | 467 million polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles per year |
| Plastic Disposables Used | 473 million per year |
| Plastic Waste Exported | Two to three 40-foot containers per week to Vietnam |
| Plastic Waste Contamination | 40% of plastic collected cannot be recycled due to contamination |
| Plastic Recycling Infrastructure | Lacks dedicated facilities for plastic bottles |
| Plastic Recycling Knowledge | 70% of residents do not fully understand what plastics can be recycled |
| Plastic Bag Wastage | Over 60% of single-use plastic bags saved per month due to Retail Bag Charge Pledge |
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What You'll Learn
Singapore's plastic recycling rate is between 4% and 6%
One of the main challenges in boosting the recycling rate is that only selected types of plastic waste are recycled. There are seven categories of plastic, each with different properties, and not all of them can be recycled. Consumers often lack knowledge about which types of plastics can be recycled and how to recycle them properly, leading to contamination and low recycling rates.
Another issue is the high cost of transporting recyclables overseas for processing. The ban on importing recyclables by China in 2018 also contributed to the decline in Singapore's domestic recycling rate. Local constraints, such as high operational costs, manpower shortages, and space, further hinder plastic recycling efforts.
To improve the plastic recycling rate, Singapore needs to address these challenges. This may include investing in infrastructure, educating consumers about plastic recycling, and exploring innovative solutions. The Plastics Recycling Association of Singapore has set ambitious targets to increase the plastic waste recycling rate to 30% in the next five years and 70% in the next ten years.
While Singapore works towards improving its plastic recycling rate, it is also essential to reduce plastic waste. Initiatives such as the Retail Bag Charge Pledge have successfully saved over 60% of single-use plastics every month. Encouraging the use of reusable bags, straws, and containers can significantly reduce plastic waste generation and lessen the burden on recycling systems.
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Singaporeans' lack of knowledge about recycling
Singapore's plastic recycling rate is low, with only 4% of plastic recycled in 2021 and 2022. This is surprising given the range of measures in place to encourage recycling, such as the Recycle Right campaign. One of the reasons for the low recycling rate is a lack of knowledge among Singaporeans about what plastics can be recycled and how to recycle them properly.
A 2018 report by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) found that close to 70% of Singapore residents do not fully understand what plastics can be recycled. For example, while PET bottles used for carbonated drinks and plastic bags can be recycled, straws, plastic disposable cutlery, and styrofoam packaging cannot. As a result, many products are disposed of as general waste rather than recycled.
There are also misconceptions about what can and cannot be recycled. For instance, food and beverage containers need to be cleaned before they are recycled, but many people may regard this as a hassle and opt to throw them away instead. The contamination rate for recycled waste is high, with about 40% of the recyclables collected from the blue bins not being recycled due to contamination from food and liquid waste, tissue paper, and other items.
The ease of disposing of waste in Singapore may also discourage residents from putting in the extra effort to recycle correctly. The centralised refuse chute (CRC) in most HDB flats and high-rise condominiums allows residents to dispose of waste from their homes easily. Additionally, the blue recycling bins collect all types of recyclables into one place, and there is no enforcement on whether people are recycling correctly.
To improve the recycling rate in Singapore, there is a need to increase public awareness and education to address the lack of knowledge and misconceptions about recycling.
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The need for a dedicated plastic recycling facility
Singapore's plastic recycling rate is currently between 4% and 6%, the lowest of all waste streams. This is due to a variety of factors, including a lack of infrastructure, consumer knowledge, and the challenge of separating and baling plastics. With Singapore using about 1.76 billion plastic items annually, resulting in more than a million tonnes of plastic waste, there is a clear need for improvement in plastic recycling rates.
One way to address this issue is to establish a dedicated plastic recycling facility. Such a facility could boost recycling rates significantly, with the Plastics Recycling Association of Singapore aiming to increase the rate to 30% in the next five years and 70% in the next ten years. A dedicated facility would also address the current challenge of exporting plastic waste for processing, which is becoming increasingly difficult due to high freight costs and stringent controls on plastic waste imports imposed by other countries.
A plastic recycling facility in Singapore could focus on developing innovative solutions for the region. For example, it could explore the creation of a circular economy for plastics, where recycled plastics are reused or repurposed, reducing the overall plastic waste generated. Additionally, the facility could provide educational resources to raise consumer awareness about plastic recycling, addressing the current lack of knowledge among the public regarding recyclable plastics and proper recycling methods.
Furthermore, a dedicated facility could implement measures to address the issue of contaminated plastic waste. Contamination, often caused by food and liquid waste, tissue paper, and other items, results in a significant portion of collected plastics being unsuitable for recycling. The facility could promote initiatives such as encouraging households to sort and wash their plastic waste before recycling and providing clear guidelines on how to recycle plastics properly.
Establishing a dedicated plastic recycling facility in Singapore is a crucial step towards improving the country's plastic recycling rate and addressing the environmental concerns associated with plastic waste. By investing in infrastructure, innovation, and education, Singapore can make significant progress in reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices.
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High freight costs for transporting recyclables
Singapore's domestic recycling rate has been declining over the years. Between 2012 and 2018, it stood at between 19% and 22%. However, in 2022, it reached its lowest point in over a decade, falling to 12% from 13% in 2021. The National Environment Agency (NEA) attributed this decline primarily to the high freight cost of transporting recyclables overseas for processing.
- Container Size and Type of Goods: The cost of trucking services in Singapore depends on the size of the container being transported. Typically, there are two standard sizes, 20-foot and 40-foot containers, with larger containers incurring higher charges. Additionally, the type of goods being transported influences the cost. For example, sensitive goods like hazardous materials or temperature-sensitive items require specialised containers and handling, resulting in higher charges.
- Location and Distance: Transportation to locations outside the Jurong area, including Jurong Island, Sembawang Port, and Changi, often incur additional charges. Round trips also tend to cost more than one-way jobs.
- Equipment and Maintenance: Hauliers in Singapore face significant costs associated with purchasing and maintaining prime movers (trucks) and trailers. Prime movers can range from S$180K to S$250K per vehicle, and companies typically require multiple trailers per prime mover to facilitate efficient operations. The cost of tyre replacement for heavy vehicles, which is necessary for safety, can also be substantial, ranging from S$300 to S$500 per tyre.
- Fuel and Taxes: With most trucks in Singapore relying on diesel, fuel costs can be significant, amounting to approximately S$1,500-S$2,500 per truck per month. Additionally, road tax and surcharges further contribute to the overall expenses.
- ERP Charges: Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges are levied on vehicles passing through ERP gantries during operational hours. For heavy vehicles, these charges can be substantial, ranging from S$100 to S$200 per month.
- Additional Charges: Other charges may apply, such as washing fees for returning dirty containers, detention charges for late returns, and surcharges for weight, delivery location, and temperature control requirements.
These high freight costs pose a challenge to recycling efforts in Singapore, particularly for materials with lower market value, such as paper and textiles. It is important to note that other factors, such as consumer education on proper recycling practices and the lack of local recycling infrastructure, also contribute to the low recycling rate in Singapore.
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The challenge of sorting different types of plastic
Singapore's plastic recycling rate is low, at 4% as of 2021. The country faces challenges in recycling plastics due to a lack of proper infrastructure, consumer knowledge, and high freight costs for transporting recyclables overseas.
Sorting different types of plastic is a complex process that requires a combination of cutting-edge technology and human expertise. The process typically begins with objects whizzing along conveyor belts in recycling facilities at high speeds of around three meters per second. Light plastics like polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) films are separated from heavier and more rigid plastics using an airstream.
To identify and categorize plastic items, advanced automated sorting systems utilize an array of sensors and optical scanners. These sensors analyze various attributes, such as density, color, and behavior when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. Near-infrared systems, for instance, distinguish between different polymer types by detecting their unique wavelength signatures. Optical detection systems further enable the separation of colors.
While technology plays a significant role, human intervention is still crucial. Skilled workers are needed to make correct sorting decisions for irregularly shaped or unusually colored plastic items that may pose challenges for sensors. They also ensure that non-recyclable plastics, such as PVC, are identified and separated.
The sorting process may also include washing the plastics to remove impurities like glues and inks before grinding them into flakes, which can be further sorted by color. Developing innovative solutions, such as fluorescent markers or microwave systems, can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of sorting, but the challenge remains in ensuring materials reach the recyclers.
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Frequently asked questions
Only 6% of plastic waste was recycled in Singapore as of 2023. This is a slight increase from 2020 and 2021, when the plastic recycling rate was 4%.
Singapore lacks the infrastructure to recycle plastics. Other reasons for the low recycling rate include consumer confusion about what plastics can be recycled and how to recycle them properly, as well as the high cost of transporting recyclables overseas for processing.
The Plastics Recycling Association of Singapore has set a goal of raising the recycling rate of plastic waste to 30% in the next five years and 70% in the next ten years. They plan to do this by building a dedicated plastic bottle recycling plant and setting up a Plastics Recycling Centre of Excellence to develop regional recycling solutions. Singapore is also working to reduce plastic waste by encouraging businesses to implement a Retail Bag Charge, with signees committing to not providing a bag by default and charging for each single-use bag. The country is also partnering with policymakers and businesses to promote a circular economy for plastics, reduce plastic use and production, and increase the recycling and collection of plastics.
