Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Number of Fires at Waste Recycling Collection Sites in 2021 and 2022 to Date

Question:

Ms Poh Li San: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many fires have occurred in waste recycling collection sites in 2021 and thus far in 2022; (b) whether the facilities are required to install fire suppressant equipment in view of the flammable nature of recyclable waste such as paper and plastic; and (c) what measures does NEA impose on waste recycling companies to reduce the incidence of industrial fires.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1.   In 2021, there were 11 fires in general waste disposal facilities, which include waste recycling facilities. Of these 11 fires, six involved waste materials. From 1 January to 17 September 2022, there have been 12 fires in general waste disposal facilities, nine of which involved waste materials.

2.   The Fire Code requires buildings containing waste recycling facilities to install appropriate fire protection systems. The type of system required depends on the size of the waste recycling facility. Building plans incorporating the appropriate fire protection systems need to be submitted and approved by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

3.   SCDF collaborates with the Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore to organise dialogues and seminars to raise awareness about fire safety in the waste management industry. These sessions help to build rapport between SCDF and members of the industry, and serve as a platform to share good practices and lessons learned from incidents and near misses. The National Environment Agency is also working with SCDF on a joint circular and a set of best practices covering measures to minimise fire risks in waste recycling facilities. It is targeted to be sent out to the industry by end-2022.