Designing Effective Recycling System for Residential Area in Singapore

Tan Si Hui

Abstract

Singapore's recycling system faces significant inefficiencies, including high contamination rates and suboptimal collection processes that increase costs and reduce material recovery. The current single-stream recycling system leads to improper waste disposal, requiring extensive downstream sorting and contributing to operational inefficiencies. Additionally, fixed-route collection schedules result in unnecessary trips, excessive fuel consumption, and higher costs. 

This study addresses these challenges by applying the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) to optimize Singapore’s blue bin collection routes. Our model dynamically adjusts collection routes based on bin locations, capacity constraints, and operational considerations, ensuring more efficient clearing of recyclables. By integrating real-world constraints such as vehicle load capacity and collection frequency, we aim to enhance the efficiency of Singapore’s recycling operations. 

Through advanced optimization techniques, we minimize travel distances, balance vehicle loads, and reduce resource wastage. Computational experiments demonstrate notable improvements in vehicle utilization, with reduced fuel consumption and overall operational costs. By streamlining collection processes, this research contributes to improving Singapore’s recycling rate while making waste collection more cost-effective and sustainable. 

Beyond route optimization, this study also evaluates the effectiveness of upstream versus downstream sorting by comparing Singapore’s approach with established recycling models in South Korea and Germany. Through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), we assess the feasibility, efficiency, and sustainability of alternative sorting strategies to inform future policy decisions. Our findings highlight the potential of data-driven decision-making to enhance urban waste management, aligning with Singapore’s long-term sustainability goals.