Domestic Non-recyclable Waste Disposal Rates and Domestic Recycling Rates in Past Six Months

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether domestic non-recyclable waste disposal rates have increased significantly in the past six months due to work-from-home arrangements; and (b) whether domestic recycling rates have increased in tandem.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The domestic non-recyclable waste collected by the Public Waste Collectors (PWCs) from domestic and trade premises 1 did not change significantly in the last six months. The PWCs collected an average of 3,340 tonnes per day of waste from April to June 2020. This fell slightly to 3,265 tonnes per day between July and September 2020. This is similar to the waste collected (3,241 tonnes per day) in March 2020, before work-from-home arrangements were widely adopted.

The daily average amount of recyclables collected by the PWCs in April to June 2020 was 20% lower than in March 2020. The decrease is largely attributed to the suspension of the Cash-for-Trash recycling programme and door-to-door collection by PWCs during the Circuit Breaker period. However, the daily average amount of recyclables collected in July to September increased significantly, exceeding March 2020 levels by 11%.

While we have seen a shift in consumption patterns brought about by COVID-19 and work-from-home arrangements (e.g. more online shopping, food delivery and takeaway), we have continued to encourage the community to adopt good 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) habits. For example, the National Environment Agency (NEA) published a Food Wastage Reduction Handy Guide, with tips to help consumers reduce food waste. As part of the Say Yes to Waste Less campaign, NEA is also emphasising waste reduction measures, such as bringing reusable food containers for takeaway and not opting for disposable cutlery. We have also started a Citizens' Workgroup to co-create solutions with members of the public to reduce the excessive consumption of disposables. We look forward to hearing participants' ideas on how we can reduce the use of disposables, whether working from home or at our workplaces.

Note(s) to Question No(s) 13:

1 The domestic and trade premises served by the PWCs include all HDB flats and landed residential properties, as well as private apartments and condominiums (those that opted in for their waste to be collected by PWCs) and shophouses, which together account for the vast majority of waste generated by residential households. The PWCs may also serve trade premises such as petrol stations, hawker centres, places of worship, community centres and clubs, as well as Government and Statutory Board buildings and developments.