Solid waste generated in 2021 up 18%: NEA

There was an increase in the recycling rate to 55% from 51% in 2020.

Singapore produced 6.94 million tonnes of solid waste in 2021, up by 18% from 2020 when 5.88 million tonnes were generated, data from the National Environment Agency showed.

Based on NEA's statistics, waste generated in both domestic and non-domestic sectors also increased to 1.77 million tonnes and 4.12 million tonnes, respectively.

NEA said more was generated last year after economic activity picked up.

"Resumption of business and social activities in 2021 have led to a 10 percent increase in waste disposal," NEA said.

Meanwhile, the increase in waste in the domestic sector was attributed by NEA to the continued work-from-home trend.

From the total waste generated, 3.83 million tonnes were recycled, translating to an increase in the recycling rate to 55% from 51% in 2020.

The non-domestic sector also saw a pickup in its recycling rate which was up to 70% in 2021.

The recycling rate also increased across waste types: plastic waste (6%), horticultural waste (83%), wood waste (76%), and paper/cardboard (39%).

Despite an increase in the recycling rate, the amount of recycled waste still dropped by 11% in 2021, which NEA said was due to lower construction activity and export market demands for recyclables.