Singapore is a global leader in sustainability, and one of the clearest examples of this is its commitment to converting waste into usable energy. As a land-scarce nation that produces over 7 million tonnes of waste every year, the city-state faces a critical challenge: how to manage growing volumes of trash without expanding landfill use. The solution? Investing heavily in cutting-edge waste-to-energy (WTE) infrastructure.
The concept of Singapore waste to energy isn’t new, but it’s rapidly evolving with new technologies and government support. By incinerating non-recyclable waste in high-tech facilities, Singapore not only reduces the volume of trash but also generates electricity to power homes and businesses. This dual-purpose approach helps cut emissions, save space, and move the nation closer to a zero-waste future.
Why Waste-to-Energy Matters in Singapore
The main advantage of WTE in Singapore is space efficiency. Traditional landfilling is not viable on an island as small as Singapore. By converting trash to energy, the country reduces the waste volume by up to 90%, extending the lifespan of the only landfill at Semakau Island.
But space is only one piece of the puzzle. Waste-to-energy also contributes significantly to the nation’s renewable energy efforts. The incineration process generates steam, which drives turbines to produce electricity. This energy is fed into the national grid, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
More importantly, waste-to-energy aligns perfectly with the Singapore Green Plan 2030, which outlines clear goals to promote sustainable living, energy efficiency, and environmental conservation.
Inside Singapore’s Advanced Waste-to-Energy Facilities
Singapore operates several WTE plants, with Tuas South and Keppel Seghers being among the most prominent. But the most ambitious project is the Tuas Nexus Integrated Waste Management Facility, which will be the first in the world to integrate both waste and water treatment in a single facility when fully operational.
Once launched, Tuas Nexus is expected to:
- Process over 2,900 tonnes of waste per day
- Generate over 120 megawatts of electricity daily
- Serve as a hub for energy-efficient, zero-waste operations
This facility represents a giant leap forward in how Singapore waste to energy systems are designed — combining sustainability, energy recovery, and water recycling in one cohesive ecosystem.
Supporting Services That Make It All Possible
Behind Singapore’s successful WTE ecosystem is a network of essential waste services that handle everything from pickup to sorting. At Wastigo, we play a vital role in supporting this transformation by offering end-to-end waste management solutions for households and businesses across Singapore.
Here are the key services we offer to support the waste-to-energy system:
- Garbage Pickup: On-time, reliable residential and commercial waste collection helps funnel trash efficiently to WTE facilities.
- Junk Removal: We help you clear out bulky items and non-recyclables, keeping illegal dumping and landfill use to a minimum.
- Recycling Services: Properly sorted recyclables are diverted away from incineration, reducing emissions and improving resource recovery.
- Sustainable Waste Solutions: We consult with businesses and property owners on how to improve their waste management systems to align with national goals.
When these services function smoothly, the entire WTE cycle becomes more efficient and sustainable — keeping Singapore cleaner and greener.
What Can Residents Do to Support Waste-to-Energy?
While Singapore has built a world-class WTE infrastructure, residents still play a critical role in making the system work. Waste-to-energy is only effective when trash is disposed of properly and recyclable materials are kept out of incinerators.
Here are simple steps you can take:
- Separate recyclables from general waste before disposal
- Use designated blue bins for plastics, metals, and paper
- Avoid contaminating recyclables with food or liquids
- Book regular junk removal services for large items
- Ensure garbage is placed in bins on time for scheduled pickups
By taking these small actions, you directly support the Singapore waste to energy system — reducing emissions, supporting clean energy, and helping the nation reach its green goals.
The Future of Singapore Waste to Energy
The future of WTE in Singapore is bright, but it’s also evolving. By 2035, the government aims to reduce the waste sent to Semakau Landfill by 30% and move closer to a zero-waste nation. This will be achieved through continued investment in infrastructure, smarter waste sorting technologies, and stronger public-private partnerships.
At the same time, businesses and residents must stay engaged. Wastigo is proud to be a trusted waste solutions partner, offering sustainable services that make eco-friendly disposal easier for everyone. Our vision is to help build a city where nothing is wasted — where trash becomes energy, and energy powers our future.
Book Your Waste Pickup Today
Ready to do your part for a greener Singapore? Whether you need regular garbage pickup, large-scale junk removal, or expert recycling solutions, Wastigo has you covered.
👉 Book a Collection Request with Wastigo and let us help you contribute to a cleaner, more energy-efficient future — one pickup at a time.