OPTIMAL WASTE RECYCLING AND REDUCTION SYSTEM: A SYSTEMIC APPROACH

Abstract

Singapore lags behind in waste management due to high amount of waste produced per capita and low municipal recycling ratio (The Sunday Times, 2011). This research paper seeks to understand the waste issues faced in Singapore. Apart from analysing the current waste management practices, this study seeks to devise an optimal waste reduction and recycling system.

A framework was designed to investigate how waste programs influenced the entire chain of the waste system. To apply this framework to real life scenario, an interview with an environmental specialist was done. A survey was conducted to understand the public’s perception, attitude and knowledge on waste management issues. The survey was done using 2 types of sampling, cluster sampling and systematic sampling, in which 100 responses were obtained.

The application of the framework was also addressed, as well as the analysis of the main findings in this study. Recommendations to the government on more effective measures that can be adopted to improve our waste performance are mentioned throughout this dissertation, and summarised at the end.