Feasibility of RFID-Based Food Waste Sorting Systems for Proportional Household Charging and Barriers to Technological Food Waste Reduction Solutions

Ms Lee Hui Ying asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the Ministry has studied the feasibility of RFID-based food waste sorting systems that weigh and track deposited food waste and charge households proportionally, such as those used in South Korea; and (b) what barriers exist in the adoption of technological solutions to reduce food waste in Singapore.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Public Waste Collectors and Town Councils have trialled the collection and treatment of segregated food waste from households. However, participation rates are poor despite regular engagement and reminders. Implementing systems, such as RFID-based tracking and charging at the individual household level, is also challenging given the prevalence of high-rise living and common waste chute system in Singapore.

Nevertheless, we will continue to review international practices and review our approach to reduce food waste. We encourage all households to buy only what they need and can consume before expiry, to reduce the amount of food waste generated.