In its endeavour to support Singapore’s zero waste goal, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) and the Waste Management & Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS) are collaborating to bring technological solutions to the waste industry.
This joint collaboration will help in developing innovations at SP tailored to the uses and needs of Singapore’s waste industry and the wider economy as a whole.
In this connection, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between both the organisations in presence of Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Environment and Water Resources.
Speaking on the occasion, she said, “For Singapore to achieve our visions of becoming a zero-waste nation, we will have to adopt a circular economy model, where we minimise the waste generated and maximise the value and resources that we can extract from key waste streams.”
Singapore Polytechnic has developed innovative solutions for the waste industry. Its Advanced Materials Technology Centre (AMTC) has developed solutions in solid waste recycling and resource recovery including projects such as the total conversion of incinerated ashes to foam glass, a 'green' chemical formulation for electronic waste recycling that yields higher amounts of precious metals in a short amount of time, and a process that recovers more than 90 per cent of material cost from recycling solar panels.
In addition to this, the two organisations also agreed to work together to support workplace safety and health in the environmental services industry by starting a Chemical Management and Workplace Safety Programme.
Small-and-medium enterprises and professionals will undergo a two-day workshop under this programme. They will learn how to reduce occupational diseases, injuries, and fatalities from potential exposure to hazardous chemicals.
They will also receive training in new knowledge and skills in achieving a pollution-free and zero waste environment.