INTRODUCTION:
This proposal has been developed to implement best practice on the reduce food waste by converting it into a course of renewable energy and liquid fertilizers via anaerobic digestion process in SIT @Punggol.
Singapore has gained its reputation globally as a “clean and green” country over the years by implementing innovative and sustainable solutions to current environmental problems. However, methods for food waste management can still be further improved. According to the waste management and recycling statistics (NEA, 2017), the total food waste generated in Singapore is approximately 676,800 tonnes, but only a small percentage of 16% is being recycled. The amount of food waste generated is expected to increase in the future due to the growing population in Singapore.
Figure 1: Food waste generated over the past 10 years (Source: National Environment Agency 2018)
There are other challenges towards food waste recycling such as odour and pests; lack of public awareness and high operational cost (Material Cycles and Waste Management, 2015). We believe that through the improvement of existing technology, we can create a feasible option for the upcoming SIT @Punggol campus to contribute towards Singapore being a Zero Waste Nation.
Figure 2: Food waste percentage (Source: National Environment Agency 2018)
The implementation of the High-solids Organic-waste Recycling System with Electrical Output (HORSE) designed by Impact Bioenergy would allow SIT@Punngol to produce energy and liquid fertilizers through anaerobic digestion of food waste. This will result in the reduction of food wastage, energy consumption and an improvement in the biodiversity of the institute. This would help to minimize or ideally eliminate the cost and effort in disposing of food waste.
PROBLEM STATEMENT:
The new canteens in SIT @Punggol campus should be designed with considerations for the implementations of food waste recycling systems to help reduce overall food wastage and energy consumption. (Ideal)
With the new SIT @Punggol campus which is estimated to house up to 12,000 students, large amounts of food waste are expected to be generated. Without a proper way to recycle, the large amount of generated food waste would result in increase operational cost for disposal. (Gap)
By using the method of anaerobic digestion, we can turn food waste gathered from canteens at SIT @Punggol campuses into liquid fertilizers and electricity. This will reduce the overall energy consumption, carbon footprint and food wastage generated in SIT. (Goal)
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
This report proposes to the planning committee of SIT @Punggol to implement a food waste recycling system that can convert food waste into renewable energy and organic liquid fertilizer. The energy produced from the recycling process can be used as an energy source to help power the amenities within SIT while the liquid fertilizers can be used to nurture the biodiversity within the campus. The implementation of the system will allow SIT @Punggol to adopt a green initiative and to achieve the vision towards a sustainable Singapore.
References:
Ng,B.,& Yu,M.,& Chen,C.L.,& Rajinikanth,R.,& Jing,Y.W. (2015). Municipal food waste management in Singapore: practices, challenges and recommendations. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management. doi: 10.1007/s10163-015-0405-8.
National Environment Agency. (2017).Food Waste Management. Retrieved from https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/waste-management/3r-programmes-and-resources/food-waste-management
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