Environment & climate

1,757 debates and bills about environment & climate

26 Jul 2021

Proposal to Ban Use of Styrofoam Packaging for Food Takeaways

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment whether it would consider banning Styrofoam packaging for food takeaways.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated the government has no plans to ban Styrofoam because it is incinerated safely in Singapore’s waste-to-energy plants, unlike in countries where it goes to landfills.
She emphasized that reusables are more environmentally friendly and encouraged the public to use them and avoid excessive disposable packaging.
The debate highlighted Singapore’s waste management approach versus the global concern over non-biodegradable materials.
The government prioritizes incineration and public awareness over an outright ban on Styrofoam.

Summary written by AI

6 Jul 2021

Murali Pillai proposed deploying recycling bins with capacity sensors at HDB estates and creating an app to show bin locations and availability to address the issue of full bins.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that NEA will trial bins with sensors in the Ang Mo Kio-Toa Payoh sector starting October 2021 to monitor levels and reduce overflow, with possible expansion to other sectors after evaluating impact on collection fees.
She added that bin locations are already available via OneMap and the OneService app, and residents can report full bins through NEA’s website or mobile apps, while urging proper recycling to avoid contamination and overflow.

Summary written by AI

6 Jul 2021

The government is monitoring global developments in Generation IV nuclear reactors and other low-carbon energy solutions but has not decided to deploy them, citing their current immaturity and lack of commercial operation.
A 2012 pre-feasibility study concluded that available nuclear technologies were not suitable for Singapore, but the government continues to track advancements in safer designs like Small Modular Reactors and Generation IV reactors.
Singapore's energy strategy focuses on natural gas, solar, regional power grids, and low-carbon solutions like hydrogen, while strengthening nuclear science capabilities to assess future technologies.
Any future decision on nuclear power will be based on criteria including safety, reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability, alongside energy efficiency efforts across all sectors.
The government emphasized a collaborative approach with workforce, researchers, industries, and consumers to achieve a cleaner and more secure energy future.

Summary written by AI

6 Jul 2021

In the last 12 months, 58 waste collection lapses were logged with NEA for SembWaste across its designated sectors.
Of these lapses, 9 occurred in Sengkang town.
NEA issued fines for each of the 58 recorded lapses.

Summary written by AI

6 Jul 2021

The waste generated by fish farms includes organic matter like fish faeces, dead fish, and unconsumed feed, but specific data on amounts is unavailable because farm waste is collected with general refuse.
Sea-based farms are required to bag and transport waste to land-based collection points, with enforcement and reminders to prevent illegal dumping, and the single Southern Waters farm has a commercial waste disposal arrangement.
While most farms do not segregate waste for circular use, there are ongoing efforts to upcycle waste into fertilizers or animal feed, with plans to promote sustainable practices as part of the "30 by 30" food security goal.

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6 Jul 2021

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether complaints about construction noise near residential areas have increased over the past three years and if regulations for sites within 100 metres of homes can be reviewed.
From 2018 to early 2020, monthly complaints averaged around 800, rising to 1,160 in March 2020 as people started working from home, dropping during the circuit breaker, and increasing again to about 1,100 per month from August 2020 to May 2021 when work resumed but many continued working from home.
Investigations in 2021 found that about 11% of complaints were due to sites breaching noise limits, which are set based on WHO guidelines and are stricter for sites within 150 metres of residential or sensitive premises.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) uses noise meters at nearby premises to enforce limits and reviews regulations regularly, considering factors like increased remote work while balancing construction timelines and costs.
NEA is committed to exploring additional ways to encourage construction companies to reduce noise impact while adhering to existing regulatory frameworks.

Summary written by AI

6 Jul 2021

The government detailed stringent measures to prevent COVID-19 transmission via wastewater, including disinfecting premises where infected individuals have been and designing sanitary systems as airtight, watertight closed systems with water seals to block pathogens.
Homeowners are urged to maintain their sanitary systems by checking for odors or leaks and using licensed plumbers, while hospital wastewater from isolation facilities is disinfected before discharge and staff handling used water wear personal protective equipment.
The water supply remains safe as wastewater undergoes rigorous treatment, including reverse osmosis and disinfection, to ensure all contaminants are removed and NEWater is free of viruses.

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6 Jul 2021

Gan Thiam Poh asked if the Ministry will provide incentives for consumers returning trays to help reduce cleaning costs and consider using recyclable trays or paper table cloths for hygienic food waste disposal.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that tray return rules remain to maintain public hygiene, noting that cleaning costs are not reduced as cleaners are still needed for sorting and sanitizing, with increased demands due to COVID-19.
The Ministry is installing more tray return stations and engaging cleaning companies to improve workflows, emphasizing that reusable trays are preferred over single-use materials for environmental sustainability.
Diners are required to return trays and dispose of litter, with cleaners sanitizing tables afterward, and washbasins are available for handwashing.

Summary written by AI

5 Jul 2021