Zero Waste

What is Zero Waste?

Zero Waste is a concept that challenges the old way of thinking about waste as something that has no value and to be thrown away.

According to the Zero Waste Alliance:

Zero Waste: The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.

Nature is the best Zero Waste model. There is no waste in nature and by-products produced become resources for others or are assimilated harmlessly back to the surroundings.

The Zero Waste Hierarchy

Why Zero Waste?

Zero Waste helps to conserve, reduce pollution, create jobs in waste management, reduce waste costs, increase the lifespan of our Semakau Landfill and incineration plants, and mitigate climate change.

“Zero Waste is an extraordinary concept that can lead societies, businesses, and cities to innovative breakthroughs that can save the environment, lives, and money. Through the lens of Zero Waste, an entirely new relationship between humans and systems is envisaged, the only one that can create more security and well-being for people while reducing dramatically our impact upon planet earth. The excitement is on two levels: it provides a broad and far-reaching vision, and yet it is practical and applicable today.”

~ Paul Hawken, environmentalist and author (from the publication, The End of Waste, by the Zero Waste New Zealand Trust)

Can We Achieve Zero Waste?

Zero is the goal but it is important not to be over-focused on the word ‘zero’. What matters is the concept behind Zero Waste. The road to Zero Waste is a long journey and it requires the efforts of individuals, communities, organisations, businesses and the government, working closely together towards Zero Waste. We invite all Singaporeans to support the vision of a Zero Waste Singapore. Yes We Can.

Want tips on how you can do your part in moving towards Zero Waste?

Visit the "Our Work" page, or our blog, where you can find more information, news, and insights on Zero Waste!

About The 5Rs

You can take action in the fight against waste by practising the 5Rs in your daily life: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot - in that order. The sequence matters: preventing waste at the source is the most effective, while recycling and composting still help but should come after reducing and reusing.

Here’s how you can practise the 5Rs:

Refuse: Say “no” to items you don’t need.
Reduce: Limit how much you consume to minimise waste.
Reuse: Give items a second life instead of buying new.
Recycle: Sort materials so they can be remade into new products.
Rot: Compost food scraps to return nutrients to the earth.

Here are some practical examples on cutting down single-use disposables.

By using a reusable water bottle or cup, you:

Refuse: Say no to single-use bottled water.
Reduce: Limit the number of disposable bottles you buy.
Reuse: Use your bottle multiple times and for years safely before disposal.
Recycle: When it’s worn out, drop it into a recycling bin.

By changing dining habits you can:

Refuse: Choose to eat in whenever you can, or bring your own reusable containers for takeaway.
Reduce: Bring reusable cutlery to cut down on single-use utensils.
Reuse: When single-use food containers are unavoidable, repurpose them for storage at home.
Recycle: Clean and recycle containers.
Rot: Any leftover food scraps? Compost them at home or in a community system to close the loop.

Small actions like these, multiplied across Singapore, can spark a ripple effect with a big impact towards a cleaner, zero-waste nation. Start practising the 5Rs today and inspire your community to follow suit!

What does being
"Waste-Conscious" mean?

Waste is not invisible; it is the product of consumption

Every time we use resources to make something to fulfil our needs and wants, we leave behind waste as a byproduct. And that waste needs to go somewhere!

Waste is the result of consumption, regardless of whether we are in a linear or circular economy. Of course, when we practice the 5Rs and drive the circular economy, we use less virgin resources and extend the lifespan of existing products instead of letting it go to waste.

THUS THE KEY IS ALWAYS TO PRACTICE MINDFUL CONSUMPTION IN THE FIRST PLACE.

Only when we pay attention to waste, can we learn how to manage it

Instead of seeing our waste as something that is whisked away (and taking for granted Singapore's very efficient waste management infrastructure), looking after the byproducts of consumption fosters a sense of communal responsibility.

We not only want to cut down on the waste that is generated, but also to ensure that any waste produced is disposed of responsibly, whether through proper recycling or general waste channels.

Being waste-conscious is the nexus to a greener Singapore

By embracing waste-conscious habits and reducing the waste we create, we can keep Singapore clean, cut carbon emissions, and move together towards a zero-waste nation.