SINGAPORE: Singapore is expected to announce development plans for its offshore landfill during a global congress that will be held here from November 3 to 6.

The masterplan for the Semakau Landfill includes test-bedding environmental technologies and increasing its use for educational purposes.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said Minister of Environment and Water Resources, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, will reveal the plans at the congress.

The International Solid Waste Association Congress, themed "East Meets Waste", will focus on challenges Asian cities face in dealing with waste management as they urbanise and grow their economy.

It will be held at Suntec City and is expected to attract over 800 delegates from more than 60 countries.

The inaugural 3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) Packaging Awards will also be presented at the congress to deserving signatories who have succeeded in reducing packaging waste.

Piles of rubbish are thrown out every day in Singapore, amounting to 15,280 tonnes of waste last year, enough to fill about 600 football fields.

The solid waste industry is big business in Singapore and around the world. The sector is worth about S$1 billion and this is expected to grow as Singaporeans produce more waste every day.

The present global financial crisis, however, could cause a temporary setback.

Lee Yuen Hee, CEO of NEA, said: "Waste is a more long-term issue. Once the crisis is over and countries resume their economic growth, governments will have to continue to invest in waste management infrastructure."

At a news conference on Monday, organisers said the congress will be the first in Southeast Asia.

Harald Kloeden, chairman, Organising Committee, International Solid Waste Association Congress, said: "The biggest reason is that Asian markets here and environmental issues are strong growing.

"Singapore is a very good example for all the countries around... Singapore and this congress can showcase what are the newest technologies, what are the newest solutions to tackle our environmental problems."

Participants will visit sites like the Tuas Incineration Plant and the Marina Barrage to learn from Singapore's practices and to network.


- CNA/so