Application of system dynamics model for municipal solid waste generation and landfill capacity evaluation in Singapore

In recent years, waste generation in Singapore with rapid economic and population growth as well as change of consumption patterns has acquired more and more attention from the public and the government. On this perspective, sustainable development has become an effective course for Singapore’s municipal solid waste (MSW) management system. Therefore, a system dynamics (SD) model for MSW management was developed to explore whether the current waste disposal capacity can meet the increasing amount of waste generation. Five different scenarios were applied in order to identify the best strategy for protection of the environment without inhibiting the growth of the economy. The System Dynamics model was used to evaluate the different strategies and polices made by public or stakeholders taking into consideration multiple feedbacks like population, economy growth and waste disposal subsystems (landfill, recycling and incineration). According to the results, scenario II is recommended since it covers the requirement for sustainable growth of economy and environmental protection without exceeding landfill capacity.