Singapore Flashcards
Background to waste in Singapore
The island is almost entirely urbanised
In 2015 8400 tonnes of waste were produced per day
When did they change from landfill to incineration?
In the 60s and 70s waste was sent to landfill
In thr 1970s the government changed to incineration policy with energy recovery as they were running out of space
Describe the remaining landfill site
The remaining land fill site is called Semaku
It is built with an impermeable membrane and clay to prevent leaching
It has wildlife there including rare species
How much of Singapores energy do the 4 incineration plants provide?
3%
What percentage of waste is now recycled in Singapore
60%
When will Semaku be filled?
2040
What percentage of waste is incinerated?
38%
What percentage of waste is reduced by incineration?
Where does the remaining % go?
90%
10%- Semaku
What is an issue with transportation of waste during the incineration process?
It produces high levels of greenhouse gases
1.56 million tonnes of GHG emissions in 2017 from waste to energy plants
What happens with the heat produced during the incineration process?
It is converted into electricity
1,600MWh produced everyday
Enough to power 125,000 homes
How long do incinerators last?
10 years
At the rate of waste production a new one would have ti be constructed every 7-10 years
What happens when an area of Semaku is filled with ash from the incineration plant?
Covered with topsoil to support vegetation
The landfill site is now home to rare species such as the Malaysian plovers
How can the greenhouse gases produced by the incinerators be limited?
Each incinerator is fitted with pollution control systems
These can reduce up to 90% of harmful emissions
