Why is Singapore's rate of recycling going down?

Singapore, often hailed for its environmental consciousness, has been grappling with a declining recycling rate over the past decade. The National Environment Agency (NEA) reported that the overall recycling rate has fallen from 62% in 2013 to 52% in 2023, well below the 70% target set for 2030. This decline raises concerns about the effectiveness of current recycling practices and the challenges faced by the city-state.

Systemic Issues and Structural Challenges

One of the primary reasons for the decline in recycling rates is the lack of domestic recycling facilities. Singapore exports a significant portion of its recyclables to countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. This reliance on international markets subjects the recycling industry to global market forces, such as fluctuating commodity prices and high freight costs. "When freight rates are high, recyclers are less incentivized to collect recyclables, since exporting them overseas would entail higher shipment costs and narrow profit margins," explained Ms. Robin Rheaume, a zero-waste advocate and founder of Recyclopedia.sg.

Additionally, the contamination of recyclables remains a persistent issue. When non-recyclables like food waste are thrown into recycling bins, they contaminate the entire lot, rendering it non-recyclable. The NEA estimates that about 40% of recyclables in domestic blue bins are contaminated. This high contamination rate significantly reduces the effectiveness of recycling efforts.

Industrial vs. Domestic Recycling

The industrial sector in Singapore generates two-thirds of the country's waste, and this waste is generally cleaner and more segregated compared to domestic waste. This sector includes construction sites and factories, where recyclable waste is less likely to be contaminated. "Recyclable waste from this sector is usually cleaner and tends to be segregated, compared with the commingled recycling bins in housing estates," said Ms. Tan Huileng, executive director of Zero Waste SG.

In contrast, the domestic recycling rate has stagnated at 12%, the lowest in over a decade. Despite a survey showing that 72% of households claimed to recycle, the actual recycling rate did not increase due to high contamination levels and improper recycling habits.

Efforts and Innovations

Singapore has been making efforts to improve its recycling infrastructure. The Tuas Nexus, an integrated waste and water treatment facility, is expected to be completed in phases from 2025 onwards. This facility aims to sort household recyclables and process food waste, among other functions. Additionally, innovative recycling plants like Abraclean and start-ups like Magorium are working on repurposing glass waste and turning plastic waste into road construction material, respectively.

However, these efforts are still in progress, and the development of recycling capabilities will take time. In the meantime, reducing waste generation should be prioritized. "The bigger problem is consumption in the first place. Even really great recycling systems aren’t going to save us from the climate change impact of our consumption," Ms. Rheaume emphasized.

Global Market Influence

The global market significantly impacts Singapore's recycling rates. The Basel Convention, which controls the international movement of hazardous waste, and China's "National Sword" policy, which banned the import of most plastics, have made it more challenging to export recyclables. These regulations, coupled with high freight costs, reduce the demand for Singapore's recyclables.

Future Directions

To address these challenges, Singapore needs to enhance its local recycling capabilities and reduce its reliance on international markets. Subsidizing freight costs for recyclable materials and encouraging the use of recycled products could help boost the recycling rate. Additionally, improving public education on proper recycling practices and reducing contamination rates are crucial steps towards achieving the 70% recycling target by 2030.

Singapore's journey towards a sustainable future requires a multifaceted approach, addressing both systemic issues and individual behaviors. By enhancing local recycling capabilities and promoting sustainable practices, the city-state can work towards reversing the decline in its recycling rates and achieving its environmental goals.