Recycling Efforts in Singapore: Why It Matters More Than Ever?
Recycling matters more than ever in Singapore as the nation faces growing challenges in waste management caused by limited land and a rapidly increasing population. Semakau Landfill, the country’s only landfill, is projected to reach full capacity by 2035, highlighting the urgency of the problem. The government has introduced various measures to encourage recycling and reduce waste to tackle the issue.
The Importance of Recycling
One of its main benefits is reducing the amount of solid waste sent to landfills, which occupy vast areas and release greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. By diverting waste through recycling, pressure on landfills can be reduced while also lowering the carbon footprint.
In addition, recycling conserves valuable natural resources. For instance, recycling paper reduces the need to cut down trees, and recycling plastics decreases the demand for oil used in their production.
Beyond conserving resources and reducing waste, recycling also protects ecosystems. Improperly disposed of waste can end up in oceans, harming marine life and disrupting delicate food chains. Thus, by preventing waste from reaching oceans and harming aquatic life, recycling plays a vital role in safeguarding biodiversity and maintaining the balance of our natural environment.
How Far Has Singapore Come?
Singapore has made steady progress in managing waste and recycling, but recent figures show both achievements and challenges that need addressing.
Daily domestic waste per capita fell from 0.88 kg in 2023 to 0.85 kg in 2024, marking a steady downward trend.
Non-domestic waste per billion-dollar GDP also dropped from 25 tonnes to 23 tonnes in the same period.
Over the past decade, daily domestic waste per person decreased by more than 20%, while non-domestic waste per GDP declined by over 30%, reflecting long-term success in reducing waste.
However, recycling rates tell a different story:
The overall recycling rate has hovered around 50% in 2024, a drop from 60% in 2014.
The decline is largely due to the reduction in the amount of Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste (by 122,000 tonnes) and used slag (by 63,000 tonnes) generated, which are usually highly recyclable.
Paper recycling also fell from 52% to 32%, influenced by higher collection costs and commodity price fluctuations.
What’s Holding Recycling Back in Singapore?
One of the primary obstacles affecting the recycling rate in Singapore is the high contamination rate in recycling bins. Approximately 40% of materials placed in blue bins are rejected due to contamination from food residues, liquids, and non-recyclable items.
Another pressing issue is the limited infrastructure for recycling certain waste types, particularly plastics and electronic waste (e-waste). For instance, in 2023, plastic waste accounted for 957,000 tonnes, with only 48,000 tonnes recycled, yielding a recycling rate of 5%.
Why Your Role in Recycling Really Counts?
Seeing the challenges that Singapore’s recycling system faces, it becomes clear that individual and corporate responsibility are more important than ever.
By taking conscious steps such as reducing single-use plastics, properly sorting waste, and supporting local recycling initiatives like the Beverage Container Return Scheme, you can minimise environmental impact and contribute to a circular economy. Beyond personal effort, encouraging friends, family, and colleagues to adopt sustainable habits helps create a wider culture of responsibility.
Contribute to Singapore’s Recycling Rate with Earth Recycling Services
While Singapore has made progress in reducing waste and improving recycling rates, challenges like contamination and limited infrastructure remain. That’s why working with a trusted disposal service in Singapore is crucial to bridge recycling gaps and ensure waste is managed responsibly.
At Earth Recycling Services, we are deeply committed to sustainability and prioritise reducing, reusing, and recycling to protect resources for future generations. Our team provides comprehensive household junk removal and office waste disposal services, carefully sorting and processing items.
This process ensures that as much material as possible is recycled or repurposed. By minimising landfill waste and maximising resource recovery through eco-friendly practices, we help create a cleaner, greener environment.
Whether you want to dispose of bulky items or manage household and office waste responsibly, partner with Earth Recycling Services today and take your first step toward a sustainable Singapore.