Transforming the ‘dirty work’ of waste management through tech, reskilling and innovation

WITH the trends of a rising global population, urbanisation and increased affluence, waste has become an increasingly pressing issue for nations.

Countries need a comprehensive interdisciplinary strategy: not just having innovative and sustainable solutions, but building the capabilities of technology and service providers, government entities, and waste generators.

Waste management is a key part of environmental services, and plays a crucial role in safeguarding and sustaining the environment. But waste management enterprises face many challenges.

These include attracting and retaining talent in roles such as waste truck drivers, waste sorters and machine operators, due to the perception of this being “dirty work”.

Furthermore, the cost of investing in waste management infrastructure can be high, hindering technology adoption and automation.

Nonetheless, the sector is growing, with many opportunities – not least thanks to a greater focus on the circular economy, which has put an emphasis on waste reduction and advanced waste processing and recycling methods.

Attracting the young

To encourage the younger generation to join the waste management sector, we must change the perception of it as a low-skilled field.

Workforce Singapore (WSG) recognises the sector’s evolving landscape and the need to equip the workforce with relevant and up-to-date skills. To that end, WSG and the National Environment Agency jointly launched the Environmental Services Jobs Transformation Map (JTM) in January 2023.

This guides enterprises in navigating evolving business needs, by providing insights on the impact of technology and automation on the industry and its workforce. This includes assessing the effect on current and emerging job roles.

Existing roles, such as that of a waste recycling sorter, could be redesigned by adopting technology such as robotics and automation. This would improve the attractiveness of the job and address employees’ concerns about career progression.

The JTM also guides both employers and employees in preparing for future roles and relevant skillsets. Sustainability specialists will need the skill of carbon emission computation, for instance, while data analysts will need analytical and statistical management skills.

E-waste opportunities

One significant growth area is e-waste recycling, which is a priority in Singapore’s Zero Waste Masterplan.

The increasing use of electronics has generated more e-waste, leading to environmental concerns. E-waste contains hazardous materials that can cause pollution if not properly disposed of, but also valuable materials that can be recovered and reused through recycling.

KGS is an example of a local recycler which has capitalised on this emerging opportunity to develop frontier capabilities for lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery recycling. Commonly found in electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles, these batteries pose intricate recycling challenges.

KGS has developed an automated Li-ion battery recycling plant in Singapore which can recycle about 300 kg of e-waste per hour, breaking down these batteries into reusable materials such as aluminium, copper, and plastics for new products.

Reskill and redesign

Besides developing technology, KGS works to develop its people. It has tapped WSG’s Capability Transfer Programme, which supports the transfer of global talent into Singapore to train the local workforce, and redesigned key jobs to take on higher-value tasks.

KGS also participated in WSG’s Career Conversion Programme for Sustainability Professionals to reskill an employee as a sustainability analyst: understanding best practices for the e-waste business, developing sustainability strategies and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and standards.

Job redesign – along with the adoption of technology – can improve the quality of jobs. The role of a waste recycling sorter, for example, can be expanded to include value-added tasks such as performing quality control and basic troubleshooting of equipment. This would make such jobs more productive and attractive, and further drive business growth.

WSG supports job redesign efforts through consultancy support with pre-approved consultants. Enterprises can refer to WSG’s 4D Job Redesign Guide for the waste management sector, too.

Another major move was made in July 2023, when the Progressive Wage Model was introduced for waste collection and materials recovery, to align pay with skills and foster career growth.

Some waste management enterprises have already repositioned themselves as employers of skilled professionals – resulting in increased productivity, new job roles, and higher wages and benefits.

Transforming the waste management sector is a collective effort – requiring collaboration between service providers, industry stakeholders, the government as well as equipment and technology providers. Together, we can shape a future where waste management is synonymous with sustainability, innovation, and quality jobs.

The writer is Workforce Singapore’s director for healthcare, social and business services