Singapore’s overall recycling rate improved from 55 per cent in 2021 to 57 per cent in 2022

Singapore, 3 May 2023 – According to the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) latest waste and recycling statistics for 2022, about 7.39 million tonnes of solid waste were generated [1], of which 4.19 million tonnes were recycled. Waste generated by the non-domestic [2] and domestic [3] sectors both increased, compared to 2021 – from 5.12 million tonnes and 1.82 million tonnes respectively in 2021, to 5.53 million tonnes and 1.86 million tonnes respectively in 2022.

2          Of the waste generated in 2022, around 3.20 million tonnes were disposed of. Overall, the recycling rate [4] increased from 55 per cent in 2021 to 57 per cent in 2022. The non-domestic recycling rate increased by 2 per cent from 70 per cent in 2021 to 72 per cent in 2022, while the domestic recycling rate decreased by 1 per cent from 13 per cent in 2021 to 12 per cent in 2022.

Economic activity picked up in 2022, resulting in more waste generated and recycled for some waste streams

3          As economic activity picked up in 2022, more waste was generated. Waste generated in 2022 was 6.4 per cent higher than in 2021. Two major industrial waste streams were the main contributors to the increase in overall waste generation, namely construction and demolition (C&D) waste, and ferrous metals. These waste streams saw increases as a result of a pick-up in construction and demolition activities in 2022.

4          The amounts of construction and demolition waste and ferrous metals recycled increased by 40 per cent and 2 per cent respectively. The higher amounts of both waste streams recycled contributed to the overall improvement in the recycling rate in 2022.

Entry of recycling companies helped to raise recycling rate

5          The entry of new recycling companies in Singapore helped to raise the recycling rate of some waste streams. A glass recycling company started processing recycled glass abrasives into ship blasting materials, raising the recycling rate for glass waste from 13 to 14 per cent. The recycling rate for ash & sludge waste increased from 9 per cent to 11 per cent, as a sludge recycling company started treating sludge waste from wafer fabrication plants. This helped divert sludge waste away from Semakau Landfill.

6          The recycling rates of paper/cardboard and textile/leather waste decreased as the amounts exported for recycling fell as a result of high freight costs compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. The recycling rate of wood waste was also lower as the amount of wood waste disposed of increased, reflecting the continued recovery in construction and other industrial activities.

7          With more waste generated, there is greater urgency to shift from a linear to a circular economy, build a more sustainable culture where we reduce, reuse, and recycle. Everyone has a part to play. By reducing waste and recycling right, we can do our part to combat climate change and ensure that Singapore remains clean, green, and liveable.

8          The 2022 waste and recycling statistics can be accessed at https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/waste-management/waste-statistics-and-overall-recycling (refer to Annex A for the 2019, 2020 and 2021 waste statistics and overall recycling rate tables. Refer to Annex B for the infographic of the Key Highlights of the 2022 Waste and Recycling Statistics).

[1] Waste generation is the sum of total waste disposed of and total waste recycled.

[2] Non-domestic waste is waste collected from industries and commercial premises.

[3] Domestic waste is waste collected from households and trade premises (e.g., shophouses, educational institutions, petrol stations, hawker centres and places of worship).

[4] The recycling rate is derived from the amount of waste recycled divided by the total amount of waste recycled and waste disposed of.

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ANNEX A

2022 Waste Statistics and Overall Recycling Rate Table

Note:

Figures are rounded to the nearest thousand tonnes and percentage point.

The recycling rate for the "Others" category is not meaningful as it is an aggregation of miscellaneous waste types that are managed and recycled differently.

Metals recovered from incineration bottom ash for recycling is excluded from waste disposed of.

Wood and horticultural waste recycled include 414,000 tonnes sent to facilities (e.g., biomass power plants and Sembcorp’s Energy from Waste plant) for use as fuel. The overall recycling rate increased to 57% in 2022 largely due to the increased amounts of Construction & Demolition waste generated for recycling as a result of more demolition projects.

2021 Waste Statistics and Overall Recycling Rate Table

Note:

Figures are rounded to the nearest thousand tonnes and percentage point.

Metals recovered from incineration bottom ash for recycling is excluded from waste disposed of.

Wood and horticultural waste recycled include 435,000 tonnes sent to facilities (e.g., biomass power plants and Sembcorp’s Energy from Waste plant) for use as fuel.

2020 Waste Statistics and Overall Recycling Rate Table

Note:

Figures are rounded to the nearest thousand tonnes and percentage point.

Metals recovered from incineration bottom ash for recycling is excluded from waste disposed of.

Wood and horticultural waste recycled include 406,000 tonnes sent to facilities (e.g., biomass power plants and Sembcorp’s Energy from Waste plant) for use as fuel.

2019 Waste Statistics and Overall Recycling Rate Table

Note:

Figures are rounded to the nearest thousand tonnes and percentage point.

Metals recovered from incineration bottom ash for recycling is excluded from waste disposed of.

Wood and horticultural waste recycled include 458,000 tonnes sent to facilities (e.g., biomass power plants and Sembcorp’s Energy from Waste plant) for use as fuel.

Annex B

Infographic of the Key Highlights of the 2022 Waste and Recycling Statistics