Singapore's rubbish problem - 29th September 2023

Singapore's a small island. But it's got lots of rubbish. About 6 million people live there. Last year, the island recycled 57 percent of its rubbish.

Where does Singapore's rubbish go? It goes to another island. Its name is Pulau Semakau. But there's a problem. Pulau Semakau is nearly full. In 2035, it won't have any space.

The government's trying to change this. In 2019, it started a project for the environment. The project wants to cut rubbish by 30 percent by 2030.

Desmond Lee works at the National Environment Agency (NEA).

Desmond Lee: "Because this is the only landfill in Singapore, that is due to the small area in Singapore, the small size of Singapore, and the competing land needs, it's difficult to find another place to, another location to replace this landfill. So, the, so it's imperative that we continue to use Semakau Landfill as long as possible to and if possible to extend its life beyond 2035."

Some rubbish, like some plastics, isn't recyclable. In Singapore, they put this rubbish on a fire. They take the ashes from the fire to Pulau Semakau.

Green groups aren't happy. They say this is bad for the air and for the sea around Pulau Semakau. But the NEA says it's clean. They put the ashes in the ground on Pulau Semakau. Then, they plant trees.

Pulau Semakau's now a home for birds and animals. People call it 'the Garbage of Eden'.