Singapore to host waste management congress in 2008

Channel NewsAsia 27 Nov 07;

SINGAPORE: Singapore will host Southeast Asia’s first ISWA/WMRAS World Congress in 2008, a key event in the international recycling and waste management sector’s calendar, which will address environmental challenges facing Asia.

Held from 3rd to 6th November 2008, some 1000 industry professionals, government officials and experts from more than 50 countries are expected to attend the Congress, where delegates will share case studies and solutions for challenges facing the international waste management industry.

They will also visit Singapore’s waste management and processing plants to gain insights into the Republic’s waste management efforts.

Mr Niels Jorn Hahn, President of ISWA, said: "Singapore, with its strategic location, excellent supporting infrastructure and its experience in environmental management, is an attractive venue for the ISWA/WMRAS 2008 Congress."

Michael Ho, Chairman of WMRAS, said: "Countries are increasingly recognising the importance of environmental protection and Singapore, being centrally located in Asia, in close proximity to the developing countries of South-East Asia as well as China and India, could serve as a training hub for environmental management."

Singapore has undertaken a slew of initiatives to promote a recycling culture among its community.

The most recent project was the launch of the 3R Programme for Preschools, aimed at inculcating the habit of recycling, reusing and reducing at a young age. The programme, which was launched last Friday on Recycling Day, will be rolled out to 258 kindergartens under the PAP Community Foundation (PCF) and ten childcare centres under Presbyterian Community Services (PCS) in 2008.

The pilot programme made use of flashcards, worksheets and activities to explain the 3Rs and engages young children in active and fun learning of the 3Rs, using colourful pictures and illustrations.

The National Environment Agency has also embarked on other green initiatives such as working closely with Public Waste Collectors and Town Councils to introduce centralised recycling depositories for the convenience of the public.

As at August 2007, 1,600 sets of centralised recycling depositories have been provided, and most residents can now find a recycling bin within 150 metres from their flats.

The National Environment Agency and the Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore will be jointly co-hosting the Congress with the International Solid Waste Association.

Singapore has just hosted the International Solid Waste Association Board Meeting, which traditionally meets in the host country a year ahead of the Congress. The board meeting was held from 24-26 November. - CNA/vm