Chairman Sir,
The Singapore Sustainable Development Blueprint sets an overall recycling target of 70% by 2030, the overall recycling rate in 2008 is at 53%.
NEA’s major initiatives like National Recycling Programme is to have the recycled material collected by the four licensed Public Waste Collectors. However, the ‘Karung Guni’ trade, which also collects the bulk of recycled material from households, seems to be forgotten in such initiative.
Small ‘Karung Guni’ are usually OMO and send their collections to SME waste collection companies, known as the bigger ‘Karung Guni’. If the collection company is too far away, it will not be cost effective for the small players.
These recycled material collection companies need a more centralised location to performing collection and sorting. I understand that approved land and industrial property for such trade are in short supply. I know some companies currently at Defu Lane are asked to vacate the premises. To move out of convenient locations like this means almost certain death for the trade and many will become unemployed.
The current land approved for the recycling industry are at remote areas like Tuas and the Sarimbun Recycling Park, these areas are too far and more meant for factories processing the recycled material into usable form.
Next, it seems that there is no holistic approach from various govt agencies such as NEA, PUB, HDB and FSB etc on the guideline to regulate the recycle collection industry. While NEA issues license to the company, PUB will have another set of requirement due to concern of water pollution.
Although these companies are prepared to invest to meet the required environmental standard, the uncertainty of land use makes it difficult for them to commit such investment. I suggest the Government consider setting up a recycle ‘Collection Hub’ at Lorong Halus.
By better tapping on the SMEs other than just the Public Waste Collectors, the many hands approach can improve recycling outreach to help improve the overall recycling rate.
(Note: this speech was delivered in Parliament on 8 Mar 2010.)
