SINGAPORE: Paper recycling firms are scaling down operations as prices fall

Paper recycling firms in Singapore are feeling the strain as waste material prices continue to slide. Back in 2020, a box of compressed cardboard for recycling fetched around S$280. Today, the same box is worth only half that amount, largely due to a global oversupply of recycled paper materials. This sharp decline has forced local companies to scale down operations, while also grappling with rising costs tied to waste collection and export logistics. The situation has put added pressure on Singapore’s recycling sector, which relies heavily on overseas buyers.

In response, the authorities have acknowledged the challenges and announced that they are reviewing measures to strengthen the country’s paper recycling efforts. This reflects a broader concern raised in recent reports, such as “Paper recycling firms scale down operations as waste material prices slide,” which highlight the urgent need for structural improvements to ensure the sector remains viable.

Credits: Channel News Asia