Singapore's Semakau landfill more than half full, expected to hit full capacity by 2035

CNA2 minutes read

Singapore's landfill Samako is nearing full capacity, prompting sustainability experts to stress the importance of waste education to extend its lifespan. Efforts to repurpose ash into construction materials are being explored to reduce landfill contributions and promote sustainable waste management practices.

Insights

  • Sustainability experts stress the critical need for public education on waste generation to extend the lifespan of Singapore's landfill, Samako, facing challenges from the daily influx of over 2,000 tons of ash and non-incinerable waste, with an expected full capacity by 2035.
  • Collaborative efforts between the National Environment Agency, local universities, and NGOs like Zero Waste SG aim to repurpose ash into construction materials, promote waste management through reuse and recycling, and advocate for circular design in products to reduce landfill contributions and potentially prolong Samako's utility beyond 2035.

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Recent questions

  • What is the current status of Singapore's landfill?

    Half full, one part near capacity, other 10%.

  • How much waste does Samako landfill receive daily?

    Over 2,000 tons of ash and non-incinerable waste.

  • What is the expected full capacity year for Samako landfill?

    2035.

  • How can businesses minimize waste contributions to Samako landfill?

    By adopting circular design and educating the public.

  • What are sustainability experts emphasizing to prolong Samako's lifespan?

    Educating people on waste generation.

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Summary

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Singapore landfill nearing capacity, sustainability efforts crucial.

  • Singapore's only landfill, Samako, is over half full, with one part nearly at maximum capacity and the other around 10% filled. To prolong the island's lifespan, sustainability experts emphasize the need to educate people on waste generation. Samako, initially built to hold waste equivalent to 11,200 Olympic-sized pools, faces challenges due to the daily influx of over 2,000 tons of ash and non-incinerable waste, with an expected full capacity by 2035.
  • Efforts to repurpose ash into construction materials are underway, but the process involves separating mixed materials and addressing potential residual chemicals. The National Environment Agency collaborates with local universities to explore solutions, emphasizing the importance of waste management through reuse and recycling. NGOs like Zero Waste SG advocate for circular design in products, urging businesses to minimize waste and educate the public to reduce landfill contributions, potentially extending Samako's utility beyond 2035.
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