ENVISIONING
A ZERO-WASTE NATION
SPOTLIGHT ON WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING IN SINGAPORE
SWaste management is one of the essential services of any company, city, or country. Singapore is no exception, as proper and efficient waste management is required for safety, health, economic, and liveability reasons
Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Joseph Perfitt
ingapore has a highly centralised and efficient waste management system, largely driven by the government’s strategic planning and investment in incineration plants.
Almost all non-recyclable waste in the country is incinerated, and the energy generated is used for electricity, reducing landfill dependency. However, despite strong infrastructure, Singapore still faces challenges in improving its domestic recycling rate, which remains relatively low due to contamination and lack of household participation.
In contrast, the broader Asia Pacific (APAC) region is highly diverse. Developed economies like Japan and South Korea have advanced recycling technologies and strict waste separation laws, whereas developing nations such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and India struggle with inefficient waste collection systems, leading to illegal dumping and pollution.
Many countries in the region therefore still rely heavily on landfill due to limited infrastructure for waste-toenergy solutions.
Singapore has a well-defined regulatory framework, with initiatives such as the Zero Waste Masterplan and the Resource Sustainability Act driving sustainable waste management.
The government actively enforces policies, promotes extended producer responsibility (EPR), and invests in innovation to improve recycling rates.
At present, Singapore faces a paradox where, despite having an advanced waste management system, household recycling rates remain low.
This is partly because many residents dispose of recyclables improperly, leading to contamination. The government therefore continuously works on educational campaigns to encourage proper waste sorting.
Across APAC, attitudes towards recycling vary significantly. In Japan and South Korea, for example, recycling is ingrained in the culture with strict sorting requirements, whereas in more developing countries, informal waste pickers play a crucial role in the recycling ecosystem, salvaging valuable materials from landfills and streets.
INTERVIEW:
WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
The Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS) was set up in 2001 as the only non-profit trade association for solid waste management, established to advocate for best practices as well as the transfer of knowledge amongst industry players. Fang Wei Goh, Executive Director, tells us more
WMRAS plays a pivotal role in facilitating working relationships amongst businesses, the government, and communities in Singapore in order to create a more sustainable living environment. The association’s comprehensive membership covers a wide spectrum, including waste collection, recycling, and recovery as well as e-waste, hazardous, and biohazardous waste, and ranges from equipment and service providers to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large multinational corporations (MNCs).
As Singapore’s representative for the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), WMRAS actively engages with ISWA to create a platform for sharing expertise and knowledge during international conferences and events.
APAC Outlook (AO): Firstly, could you talk us through the origins of WMRAS – when was it founded and what was its initial vision?
Fang Wei Goh, Executive Director (FWG): WMRAS was set up in 2001 as a registered society to represent and promote the interests of local general waste collectors and recycling companies, with an aim to be the bridge between industry and regulators.
It also seeks to upgrade and professionalise the industry by providing Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) courses for frontline operators of the local waste management and recycling businesses.
AO: What trends are currently developing and transforming the industry, and how are you responding to them?
FWG: Singapore is investing in circular economy initiatives, such as sustainable packaging, food waste valorisation, and new recycling technologies. For example, the government has introduced digital waste tracking systems and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered sorting facilities to improve efficiency.
Across the APAC region, innovation is also gaining momentum, especially in countries like China, which has invested in AI-driven waste management, and India, which is seeing the rise of waste-to-energy start-ups. Many
nations are also looking at biodegradable alternatives to plastics, driven by global pressure to reduce marine pollution.
AO: Are there any key investments or recent projects WMRAS is working on that you’d like to pay special mention to?
FWG: A key focus of our recent initiatives has been driving sustainability and circularity behaviours across different sectors.
We are actively working with various stakeholders, policymakers, and research institutions to develop and implement recycling solutions that promote a circular economy. These collaborations allow us to leverage diverse expertise and technologies to enhance waste reduction, resource recovery, and sustainable consumption patterns.
Additionally, we are also working on cross-border learning programmes, where we’re taking companies ‘back to school’ to rethink strategies, explore fresh ideas, and dive into decarbonisation, including techniques for implementing hydrogen and energy recovery from waste.
Engaging with international partners allows us to learn successful models across different regions, such as Japan’s advanced recycling systems or the EU’s circular economy policies, to develop strategies and foster longterm sustainability.
WMRAS’ VISION AND MISSION
VISION
Develop a competitive, world-class local industry, employing superior technology and practices that serve as the basis for providing high-quality waste management and recycling services to clients throughout the region. Recently, WMRAS has also adopted the tagline “Creating a Healthier and More Sustainable Living Environment” in support of the government’s efforts towards creating a zerowaste nation.
MISSION
• Promote the business interests of members – This is done by providing opportunities to carry out business networking and matching. These include tradeshows, conferences, exhibitions, overseas business mission trips, and professional sharing sessions. WMRAS also introduces business leads to its members and partners, both locally and regionally.
• Professionalise and upgrade the waste and recycling industry – This is achieved by developing and organising training courses, learning journeys, seminars, and conferences for frontline staff. Sharing sessions are also used to introduce technological solutions to members.
• Provide a platform for members – WMRAS encourages its people to air their concerns and give feedback on issues and policies that affect their businesses by organising dialogues amongst members and with government agencies, as well as with other regional or international trade bodies. The association also represents its members by writing to or meeting up with these external parties.
• Support the government and community organisations – The association aims to create a more sustainable living environment by organising or participating in activities that promote recycling and responsible waste disposal.
“THE ASSOCIATION HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT STRIDES IN ADVANCING ITS KEY OBJECTIVES, FOCUSING ON INDUSTRY COLLABORATION, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, AND GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY”
– FANG WEI GOH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
WMRAS MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS –AT A GLANCE
Members can gain access to:
• Waste management and recycling-related information on new technologies, trends, and opportunities.
• Varied strength and expertise of member companies for effective collaboration, locally or overseas.
• Ideas and knowledge-sharing between member companies.
• Tradeshows, seminars, and mission trips that promote business interests with preferential rates.
Members can be a part of:
• WMRAS’ subcommittee to contribute to upskilling and professionalising the industry.
• Being the first to hear updates from government agencies on any industry-related matters or schemes.
• The voice to the government as an entire industry on waste management-related matters and concerns.
• Networking opportunities with industry players and potential business partners, locally or globally.
• Industry-relevant training that upgrades the expertise and capabilities of member companies.
AO: How do you see the organisation developing over the next five years?
FWG: Our goal is not just to improve waste management but to drive systemic behavioral change, encouraging businesses and communities to adopt circular practices, reduce waste at the source, and maximise resource efficiency. These initiatives are essential in building a more resilient and sustainable future.
AO: Since its inception, how has the association evolved its key objectives?
FWG: The association has made significant strides in advancing its key objectives, focusing on industry collaboration, workforce development, and global connectivity.
Through close engagement with policymakers, we ensure that industry perspectives are considered in regulatory frameworks, helping to drive practical and impactful policies.
Recognising the evolving needs of the sector, we have expanded our programmes to support talent development at all levels.
This includes tailored training initiatives for existing
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professionals, as well as structured programmes for midcareer switchers looking to transition into the sustainability and waste management industries. These efforts help build a future-ready workforce equipped with the necessary skills to support circular economy goals.
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markets. By fostering international partnerships and knowledge-sharing platforms, we help businesses access new opportunities, learn from global best practices, and stay competitive in an increasingly interconnected world.
AO: What specific targets do you hope to achieve moving forwards?
FWG: At this stage, there are no specific targets set, but our primary focus is to expand on our existing initiatives and continue supporting our member companies.
We aim to further strengthen our role as a bridge between industry and government, ensuring that regulatory developments align with industry needs whilst promoting sustainability and circularity behaviours.
Additionally, we will continue expanding upskilling programmes to support professionals at various stages of their careers, including those making a mid-career switch into the sector. On a global scale, we plan to deepen international collaborations, creating more opportunities for businesses looking to explore overseas markets.
By building on these key areas, we remain committed to fostering industry growth and resilience in an evolving landscape.