Brunei's Garbage Disposal: Where Does The Rubbish Really Go?

Brunei's waste management system faces several challenges, including high waste generation per capita, limited recycling infrastructure, and a lack of standardised regulations. With an average daily waste generation of 1.14-1.4 kg per person, Brunei is among the highest waste generators in the ASEAN region. Most of this waste, around 70% ends up in landfills, with only 2% being composted and the rest disposed of through conventional methods. The current landfill in Sungai Paku, which receives 400-500 tonnes of waste daily, is expected to reach its maximum capacity in 2025.

To address these issues, Brunei has proposed a waste management framework that involves various stakeholders, including government institutions, educational institutions, the private sector, and NGOs. The framework emphasises waste segregation at the source, with separate containers for organic waste and recyclable materials. It also highlights the need for exporting recyclable materials due to the lack of a domestic recycling industry. Additionally, the framework recommends tapping into landfill gas (methane) for energy production and implementing economic incentives to promote recycling and waste reduction.

Brunei's waste management landscape also includes private companies like A Global Green Recycle, which collects and exports recyclable paper and boxes. However, the country still needs to develop recycling capabilities and infrastructure to reduce its reliance on exporting recyclable materials to other countries. Overall, improving waste management practices and promoting recycling are crucial steps towards a more sustainable future for Brunei.

Municipal solid waste management

Currently, 70% of Brunei's waste ends up in landfills, with the remaining 2% being composted or disposed of through conventional methods. The Sungai Paku landfill in Tutong receives an estimated 400-500 tonnes of waste daily and is expected to reach its maximum capacity in 2025. To address this issue, the country has implemented a waste management policy that includes recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives.

One of the key strengths of waste management in Brunei is the presence of a dedicated governmental agency, the Department of Environment, Park and Recreational (JASTRe), which is responsible for controlling and enforcing waste management practices. Additionally, the country has an engineered landfill at Sungai Paku that includes a gas ventilation system, although the gas has not been collected for energy recovery.

However, there are also weaknesses in Brunei's waste management system. There is a lack of national policies and guidelines for waste management, and the existing Waste Acts are not effectively enforced. The country also lacks sufficient recycling facilities, and waste is often disposed of through open dumping, especially in the Temburong district.

To improve municipal solid waste management in Brunei, it is recommended to implement the following measures:

• Segregate waste at the source: Recyclable waste should be separated from organic or kitchen waste at the point of generation, with green and grey containers provided for households.
• Promote recycling: Establish a national licensing system for the recycling business and provide economic incentives to encourage recycling and waste reduction.
• Improve waste disposal methods: Invest in recycling centres, waste-to-energy facilities, and innovative technologies to boost efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
• Educate the public: Increase public awareness and knowledge about waste minimization, segregation, and proper disposal through environmental education campaigns and programs.
• Regular waste audits: Conduct regular evaluations of waste generation and management to identify areas for improvement and track progress.

Energy recovery from waste

The current waste management system in Brunei has been identified as having several strengths and weaknesses. One strength is the existence of a statutory body, the Department of Environment, Park and Recreational (JASTRe), which is responsible for waste management in the country. Another positive step is the modern sanitary landfill at Sungai Paku, which has a gas ventilation system in place. However, one of the main weaknesses is the lack of a national policy specifying waste management matters. There is also a lack of initiatives to segregate waste at the household level, and there are insufficient recycling facilities in the country.

The study proposes a waste management system that prioritises the segregation of waste at the point of generation, with separate containers for organic and recyclable waste. It also recommends tapping into landfill gas (CH4) for energy production, which has a significant potential of 129,377 tonnes of CO2e/year. This could assist Brunei in diversifying its electricity generation and reducing reliance on oil and gas.

To improve waste management and energy recovery, the study makes several recommendations for policymakers, investors, practitioners, and the public. These include establishing clear and enforceable waste management legislation, promoting sustainability through tax benefits and grants, increasing public knowledge about waste reduction and disposal, and minimising the use of single-use plastics and other disposable materials.

Brunei's recycling companies

Brunei Darussalam is facing challenges in effectively managing its solid waste, with 70% of waste ending up in landfills, 2% through composting, and the rest disposed of through conventional methods. The country's only sanitary landfill, Sungai Paku, receives an average of 400-500 tonnes of waste daily and is expected to reach its maximum capacity in 2025.

To address this issue, Brunei has several recycling companies that are working to reduce waste and promote sustainability:

Enevo Brunei

Enevo is a 100% locally-owned private company established in 2016 to address the country's environmental sustainability challenges. It provides waste paper collection services to individuals and corporations, converting used paper into medium-low-grade tissue paper rolls. Enevo also aims to educate the youth about environmental sustainability through its recycling initiative program in partnership with schools.

Daikyo Environmental Recycling Sdn Bhd

Daikyo Environmental Recycling recycles white paper, magazines, nylon bags, E-Waste, metal (iron, copper, brass), recycle bins, and aluminium. They also accept E-Waste, which includes items such as TVs and laptops.

Global Green Recycle Sdn Bhd

Global Green Recycle recycles a variety of materials, including paper (newspaper, old corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, books, magazines, shredded paper), plastic (HDPE/PET), E-waste, metal (iron, steel, alloy tin, copper, brass, aluminium), and car batteries.

CIC Environmental Services Sdn Bhd

CIC Environmental Services recycles waste oil, waste chemicals, and sludge.

Shaliz Waste Recycling

Shaliz Waste Recycling specialises in recycling used cooking oil and green waste, such as timber, branches, and leaves.

In addition to these companies, there are also community-led initiatives, such as the Green Brunei conservation team, which organises recycling drives to encourage the public to adopt environmentally sustainable habits. Furthermore, there are recycling centres like The Green Depot, where individuals can drop off their recyclable items.

Waste disposal methods

The average person in Brunei generates 1.14–1.4 kg of municipal solid waste per day, making the country one of the highest waste generators per capita in the ASEAN region. This waste includes everyday items such as product packaging, furniture, clothing, food scraps, grass clippings, and appliances.

Currently, Brunei's waste management system relies heavily on landfills, with 70% of waste ending up in landfills, 2% through composting, and the remainder disposed of through conventional methods. The country's only sanitary landfill, Sungai Paku, receives an average of 400-500 tonnes of waste daily and is expected to reach its maximum capacity in 2025.

To address this issue, Brunei has implemented several waste disposal methods:

• Recycling: Recycling companies like Daikyo Environmental Recycling Sdn Bhd and Global Green Recycle Sdn Bhd play a crucial role in diverting waste from landfills. They recycle materials such as white paper, magazines, nylon bags, e-waste, metal, and cardboard boxes. However, it's important to note that not all plastics are recyclable, and certain items like Styrofoam and chip bags should be thrown in the trash.
• Waste Export: Some companies, like A Global Green Recycle, collect waste and export it to other countries. They pay for used paper and boxes, and their main export destinations are Singapore, China, and Indonesia.
• Composting: While only a small percentage of waste (2%) is composted, there is potential to increase this method. Composting food waste can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve waste management.
• Energy Recovery: Energy recovery from waste is crucial for Brunei to improve waste management and mitigate environmental consequences. By utilising landfill gas to generate electricity, the country can save money and promote a circular economy.
• Waste-to-Energy (WtE): WtE has the potential to contribute to sustainable waste management policies and promote low-carbon cities. It involves using waste as a source of energy, which can help diversify Brunei's electricity generation away from a sole reliance on oil and gas.
• Incineration: Incineration is mentioned as a potential waste disposal method that has not yet been considered. However, there are concerns about the environmental impact of burning waste.
• Hazardous Waste Treatment: Private waste management companies operate waste treatment facilities for hazardous waste and chemical substances. They use cement stabilisation and solidification technology to treat these wastes before disposal in landfills or incineration.

The future of waste management in Brunei

Current situation

An average person in Brunei generates 1.14kg to 1.4kg of municipal solid waste per day, making the country one of the highest waste generators per capita in the ASEAN region. As of 2016, the country generated 216,253 tons of waste annually. Currently, 70% of waste in Brunei ends up in landfills, 2% is composted, and the rest is disposed of through conventional methods. The country's only landfill site, Sungai Paku in Tutong, receives an estimated 400-500 tons of waste daily and is expected to reach its maximum capacity in 2025.

Challenges and opportunities

Brunei's waste management system faces several challenges, including rapid urbanization, population growth, and a lack of infrastructure and financial resources. The country's high waste generation rate has led to the rapid exhaustion of land capacity, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find new landfill sites due to the presence of reserve forests. Additionally, there is a lack of national standards and guidelines for landfill sites and incinerators, and waste management acts are often not strictly enforced.

However, there are also opportunities for improvement. A significant portion of Brunei's waste is recyclable, with paper, plastic, metal, glass, wood, and textiles making up 55% of the total waste. The country has several private waste management companies that collect and recycle different types of waste, such as paper, plastic, e-waste, and metal.

Future prospects

To address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities, Brunei needs to develop a comprehensive waste management policy and framework. Here are some key aspects to consider for the future of waste management in the country:

• Legislations and regulations: Enact a clear and enforceable legislative structure that defines standards, rules, and criteria for waste management, processing, and elimination. Impose sanctions for non-compliance to ensure effective implementation and enforcement.
• Adequate facilities: Invest in the development of recycling centers, waste-to-energy facilities, and innovative technologies to boost efficiency and move towards a circular economy.
• Community engagement: Promote community awareness and education on waste management and recycling through campaigns, social media, and educational institutions. Encourage voluntary recycling targets for businesses and provide economic incentives for recycling and waste reduction.
• Source reduction: Promote waste segregation at the household level and provide separate containers for organic and recyclable waste. Implement waste audit systems to regularly evaluate waste generation, management, and progress.
• Collaboration and infrastructure development: Collaborate with private companies and neighboring countries to develop the necessary infrastructure for waste management and recycling. Explore collaborations with schools and other large establishments to collect and recycle waste.
• Energy recovery: Utilize waste-to-energy technologies and landfill gas (methane) for energy production to diversify Brunei's electricity generation and reduce reliance on oil and gas.

By implementing these strategies and working together with various stakeholders, Brunei can improve its waste management system, reduce environmental impacts, enhance economic growth, and promote a more sustainable future for the country.

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