Singapore will produce less waste in 2020, recycling rates will fall due to effect of COVID-19

Overall waste generation in Singapore declined in 2020 for the fourth consecutive year, with less waste being sent to the Semakau Landfill, but overall recycling rates also dropped as the COVID-19 pandemic impact industries and collection process.

About 5.88 million tonnes of solid waste was generated last year, 19 per cent less than the 7.23 million tonnes generated the year before, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a media release on Friday (Apr 23).

Of this, 3.04 million tonnes of waste was recycled. The overall recycling rate falling to 52 per cent from 59 per cent in 2019, as both the non-domestic – which includes industries and commercial premises – and domestic sectors saw a decline in recycling rates.

The non-domestic sector dropped from 73 per cent in 2019 to 68 per cent in 2020, while the domestic sector fell to 13 per cent from 17 per cent.