Singapura No.1 Penghasil Sampah Plastik Di Dunia! Tapi Mengapa Negaranya Bersih?

Summary

Singapore, with a population of 6 million, generates the highest per capita plastic waste in the world, producing 66.5 kg of plastic waste per person annually. Despite this, Singapore maintains a reputation for being one of the cleanest countries globally, ranked 44th out of 180 nations. Its waste management system efficiently handles over 8,000 tons of solid waste daily, with much of it processed through incineration to generate energy. The island’s unique Semakau Landfill, created from waste, is rapidly filling up but is being repurposed for land reclamation projects like the Tuas Port expansion. Singapore's efforts showcase the potential of sustainable waste management.

Takeaways

• 😀 Singapore has a population of around 6 million people and a small land area of 734 km², making waste management a critical issue.
• 😀 Singapore is the world leader in plastic waste per capita, with each person producing 66.5 kg of plastic waste annually.
• 😀 Despite producing more total waste than Singapore, Australia’s larger landmass results in less waste per capita (56.73 kg).
• 😀 Singapore's waste generation has increased sevenfold since the 1970s, with 7.4 million tons of waste produced in 2022.
• 😀 The government of Singapore has set a goal to become a zero-waste nation by 2030, focusing on waste reduction, recycling, and energy generation.
• 😀 Semakau Island serves as Singapore’s primary landfill and waste-to-energy facility, with waste incineration reducing waste volume by 90%.
• 😀 Around 2,000 tons of waste are sent to Semakau Island daily, and it is expected to reach full capacity by 2035.
• 😀 Singapore utilizes the ash from waste incineration as a material for land reclamation projects, such as the Tuas Port expansion.
• 😀 The island of Semakau was created by merging two islands and is now partially green with natural vegetation due to the waste it contains.
• 😀 Singapore's waste-to-energy processes ensure that harmful gases are filtered, and ash does not contaminate the surrounding marine environment.
• 😀 Other countries, like India and Indonesia, could look to Singapore's model as a potential solution for managing their growing waste challenges.

Q & A

What is the per capita plastic waste production in Singapore?

Singapore produces 66.5 kg of plastic waste per capita, making it the highest in the world in terms of plastic waste per person.

How does the total waste production of Singapore compare to Australia?

While Singapore has a higher per capita plastic waste production, Australia, with a population of over 26 million, generates more total waste, with 109,589 kg daily, compared to Singapore's 195,890.4 kg daily.

What is the population density of Singapore?

Singapore has a population density of 8,430 people per square kilometer, making it the third most densely populated country in the world.

How does Singapore manage its waste despite its small land area?

Singapore manages its waste by incinerating burnable materials, converting them into energy, and sending the remaining ash and non-incinerable waste to Semakau Island, its only landfill site.

What types of waste are sent to Semakau Island?

Semakau Island receives ash from incineration, as well as non-incinerable waste such as large household appliances, hazardous industrial waste, and construction debris.

What makes Semakau Island unique in waste management?

Semakau Island is a man-made landfill created by merging two islands and filling the sea between them. It serves as Singapore’s only waste disposal site, and is expected to reach full capacity by 2035.

How is waste converted into energy in Singapore?

Burnable waste, such as paper, cardboard, and plastics, is incinerated in Singapore, where it is converted into heat energy that is used to generate electricity for thousands of homes.

What is the planned future use of incineration ash from waste?

The incineration ash is planned to be used for reclamation projects, including the expansion of Tuas Port, where the ash will be mixed with cement as an alternative to sand.

How is Singapore ensuring the environmental safety of using waste ash in reclamation projects?

Singapore is conducting extensive research on the feasibility and environmental safety of using incineration ash in reclamation projects. This includes studies on its impact on marine ecosystems and local environments.

How does Singapore's waste management system contribute to its goal of becoming a zero-waste nation by 2030?

Singapore's waste management system, which includes waste-to-energy plants and the use of ash for reclamation, is part of its efforts to reduce landfilling, extend the lifespan of its waste disposal site, and contribute to sustainable infrastructure development, helping it move towards a zero-waste nation by 2030.