Singapore faces a growing textile waste problem, with citizens discarding approximately nine clothing items each year, contributing to 24,000-41,000 tonnes of annual textile waste. This volume is expected to climb by 2% yearly over the next five years. Yet, amid these concerning trends, a silver lining emerges—environmental consciousness is rising among younger Singaporeans, with secondhand clothing transactions surging 20-60% in the post-pandemic era.

The study identifies three key opportunities:

1. Infrastructure Development: Invest in centralized collection and sorting facilities with technology like AI-powered smart bins and automated sorting systems to enhance recycling efficiency.
2. Consumer Education: Implement initiatives to improve awareness about sustainable textiles and proper disposal, addressing barriers of price-sensitivity and convenience-oriented mindsets.
3. Government Policy: Introduce reporting and labeling requirements initially, progressing to financial measures as the recycling ecosystem matures.

International examples from China, Denmark, France, Japan, and the Netherlands offer valuable lessons as Singapore charts its course. With SGD 3.5 billion worth of textiles flowing through the country annually, the establishment of a dedicated organization to implement these initiatives could help Singapore transform its textile waste challenge into an opportunity for circular economy leadership.