Technical Report Draft #1: Converting Waste Plastics Into Aggregates

Introduction (Background information)

As Singapore grows, the demand for plastic also increases. In Singapore, it was estimated that 1.76 billion plastic items were used a year, and according to the National Environment Agency (NEA), only 6% of the plastic was being recycled. The plastic that had not been recycled would be incinerated and be shipped to Pulau Semakau Landfill. It was originally estimated that Pulau Semakau Landfill would be able to sustain until 2045. However, due to the increasing reliance on disposable plastic products, it was now estimated that the landfill would run out space by 2035. 

The reason why plastic was used at an abundance is due to its ability to form into different forms and for its durability, but this would turn into a disadvantage when plastic items were disposed of. It would take centuries to decompose naturally which would clog up our landfills. The practice of burning waste plastic would cut down the amount of space needed in the landfills however, it is very harmful to our environment. It is also reported that the fumes produce from burning plastic pose harmful health risk such as, increase the risk of heart disease, aggravate asthma and cause damage to the human nervous system.

Currently, the two main ways Singapore deals with waste plastic are to burn them and disposed it to the landfills or sell the waste to other countries that are willing to buy them. Countries that purchased the plastic wastes often sort, melt and then reform them into tiny pellets that can be used to manufacture new plastic products. However with China’s latest announcement with its ban on importing “foreign garbage”, this may no longer be an option for Singapore’s plastic waste problem and other countries are likely to follow suit. Singapore has to find alternative ways to tackle the fast-growing plastic waste that is not being recycled locally.

Who are the main stakeholders?

Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is the main stakeholders as engineers of this project have to meet BCA’s regulations.

Who is impacted?

The Government and the people as we aim to achieve a zero waste nation.

Why is this important? 

The only landfills we have (Pulau Semakau) are running out of space by around 2035 (Original plan should be around 2050). 

What would the ideal situation be?

For Singapore authorities to start adopting the use of waste plastics into green aggregates and then to find alternative ways to incorporate the waste plastic to other forms of construction materials to ultimately stop plastic waste from contributing to our landfill.

Problem Statement

Currently, the percentage of plastic waste not being recycled is at 94%. With the aim of being a “zero waste” nation, the ideal goal is for Singapore to no longer rely on landfill as a means to dispose of our plastic waste, but rather incorporate the idea of 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) fully.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this report is to propose the adoption of green aggregates by recycling waste plastic. The aim is to increase the percentage of waste plastic being recycled instead of being sent for incineration and end up in Pulau Semakau Landfill.  By adopting this solution it would bring Singapore a step closer to being a “zero waste” nation.