Commercial Viability of Converting Industrial Waste at Semakau Landfill into Resources

139 Ms Poh Li San asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the mandate for Towards Resource Efficiency And Sustainability for URban EnvironmentS (TREASURES) Centre includes ensuring the commercial viability of converting industrial waste at Semakau landfill into resources, besides technical viability and risk management; and (b) whether NEA will consider reviewing the 70% recycling rate target for 2030 if Semakau landfill can be utilised for converting waste into commercially viable industrial resources.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Commercial viability is an important consideration in the work of the Towards Resource Efficiency And Sustainability for URban EnvironmentS (TREASURES) Centre, alongside technical viability and risk management. The TREASURES Centre will develop the scientific evidence, technologies and capabilities needed to strengthen the commercial prospects of waste-to-resource solutions. That said, the commercial viability of any solution also depends on broader external factors, such as market conditions and industry investment decisions, which are beyond the mandate of TREASURES.

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and National Environment Agency will take into account viable technologies and resource management pathways when reviewing our targets under the Zero Waste Masterplan given the changing waste and recycling landscape.