Behind the Scenes of Singapore’s Waste-to-Energy System
Ever wondered where your rubbish goes in Singapore?
Step inside the Tuas South Incineration Plant, one of the nation’s largest waste-to-energy facilities, and discover how Singapore processes up to 3,000 tonnes of waste daily — transforming it into energy while significantly reducing landfill use.
This guided experience offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the systems that support a vibrant and sustainable Singapore, and the long-term vision of becoming a zero waste nation.
Duration
1.5 Hours
Tour Type
Community, Sustainability
Group Size
25-35
Language
English
Popular Features
Guided Tour
Tour Description
This is not a typical sightseeing tour. It is a guided infrastructure and sustainability experience designed to help you understand how Singapore works behind the scenes.
What to Expect:
🚛 Waste Intake & Handling
Begin your journey where waste first arrives. Learn how refuse collection vehicles are weighed, sorted, and directed into storage bunkers — part of a highly controlled and automated system.
🔥 Incineration Process
Discover how waste is combusted at high temperatures using advanced furnace systems, achieving efficient and complete burn
⚡ Energy Generation
See how heat from the incineration process is converted into steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity — powering homes and facilities.
🌫 Emission Control & Environmental Systems
Understand how flue gases are treated using multi-stage filtration systems before being safely released, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
♻️ Ash Handling & Resource Recovery
Learn how bottom ash is processed and how ferrous metals are recovered for recycling, reducing overall waste.
💡 Key Concepts Explained
🌿 Advantages of Waste-to-Energy Plants
Singapore’s approach to waste management is built on three key principles:
1. Minimise Land Footprint
With limited land available, incineration reduces the need for large landfill spaces by significantly shrinking waste volume.
2. Maximise Energy Recovery
Waste is not wasted — it becomes a resource. Energy generated from incineration contributes to Singapore’s electricity supply.
3. Minimise Residue to Landfill
Waste volume reduction of over 90%
Recovery of materials such as ferrous metals from bottom ash
This integrated system helps extend the lifespan of Semakau Landfill, Singapore’s only landfill.
🌏 Singapore’s Sustainability Journey
This tour connects directly to Singapore’s broader environmental vision:
🇸🇬 Towards a Zero Waste NationReducing waste sent to landfill and increasing resource recovery
🌱 A Vibrant and Sustainable SingaporeBalancing economic growth with environmental responsibility
🔄 Circular Economy in PracticeTurning waste into energy and reclaiming usable materials
By understanding these systems, participants gain a clearer picture of how everyday actions — like disposing waste — connect to national sustainability efforts.
WHY JOIN THIS TOUR
In Singapore, much of what keeps the city clean and liveable is hidden from sight.
This tour gives you the opportunity to:
Access a restricted infrastructure facility
Understand how waste is managed at a national level
See sustainability in action beyond recycling campaigns
Gain insights into engineering, policy, and environmental systems
It is especially meaningful for those who want to go beyond surface-level sustainability and understand the real systems behind a functioning city.
WHO THIS EXPERIENCE IS FOR
This tour is ideal for those searching for:
Sustainability tours in Singapore
Educational learning journeys (MOE / schools)
Environmental awareness activities
Unique things to do in Singapore for locals
Industrial or engineering tours
Suitable for:
Students (Secondary, Polytechnic, University)
Educators and training institutions
Corporate groups (sustainability awareness)
Singapore residents curious about how the city functions
COST & TRANSPORT INFORMATION
🎟 Tour Fee
The group tour fee of $525 is fully subsidised by the National Environment Agency (NEA).
Participants do not need to pay for the tour itself.
🚌 Transport Requirement (Mandatory)
As the Tuas South Incineration Plant is located in a restricted industrial area,
a chartered bus is required to transport the entire group to and from the site.
Groups may:
Arrange their own transport; or
Engage our transport partner at $450 nett for a 4-hour charter
(covers transfer from gathering point → incineration plant → return to starting point).
Important Information & Booking Requirements
Transport is not included in the subsidised tour fee
Booking confirmation is required before transport arrangements
Timing of transport should align with the scheduled tour slot
This experience is strictly for group bookings only.
Each session is allocated to one group only
Minimum 25 participants | Maximum 35 participants
Open to residents in Singapore, including work permit holders
Minimum age: 12 years old (participants under 18 must be accompanied by adults)
All visitors will be required to submit their Full Name (as per ID), last 4 digits of ID, and contact number at least 1 week prior, and bring a valid photo ID on the day for verification.
All participants must wear long pants and covered, slip-resistant flat shoes (no sandals or high heels); those who do not comply may be denied entry.
As this is an industrial facility visit, do expect walking and stairs, as well as areas with noise, heat and operating machinery; it will not be suitable for wheelchair users and is best for participants comfortable in such environments.
Tour Details and Schedule
Held on the 1st Tuesday of each month, from 2.30pm to 4pm (excludes transport time to site)
7 July 2026
4 August 2026
1 September 2026
6 October 2026
3 November 2026
Interested groups may email hello@luduslab.sg to enquire or book. Please note that bookings are strictly via email only and are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited availability. Please DO NOT book directly via our booking site.
As part of the Clean & Green Singapore (CGS) initiative led by the National Environment Agency, this tour is 100% subsidised to encourage greater public participation in sustainability experiences.
Clean and Green Singapore (CGS) is a national movement that inspires individuals and communities to care for the environment by adopting clean, green and sustainable lifestyles. Through ground-up action and everyday practices, CGS empowers everyone to shape greener neighbourhoods, protect shared spaces, and contribute towards a more liveable, gracious and sustainable Singapore for present and future generations.
Included
Trained guide with a passion for sustainability
Individual audio tour whisperer (to hear guide’s sharing even from a distance)
Lots of sustainability fun facts!
Excluded
Tips and gratuities
Chartered transport
Tour Itinerary
02.30 pm - Tour Itinerary
1:30pm – On-route sharing by guide on Singapore Waste landscape
2:30pm – Arrival, Registration & Safety Brief 2:40pm – Guided Plant Tour 3:45pm – Q&A and Key Takeaways 4:00pm – End of Tour
1.5 Hour
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I receive the guide details and administrative information?
The guide details and any administrative information will be communicated via email at least 2 days prior to the tour commencement date.
What is the recommended tour attire?
👕 Comfortable attire and covered shoes🧢 Hat or poncho (for outdoor areas)
What is the cancellation/refund policy?
Cancellation Policy
72 Hours or Less: For cancellations made within 72 hours of the tour commencement time, a 50% cancellation fee will be applied.
48 Hours or Less: For cancellations made within 48 hours of the tour commencement time, a 100% cancellation fee will be applied.
Please Note: Cancellations can significantly impact our operations. We incur costs for resources and pre-payments to ensure a smooth tour experience. We appreciate your understanding of this policy.
What are the age ranges for children and adults?
A child is defined as being between 7 and 12 years old. An adult is considered 13 years old and above. Most of our experiences are free for children 6 years old and younger.
Every child under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour duration.
What happens if it rains?
The tour will proceed with slight adjustments to minimize outdoor exposure. Indoor alternatives will be utilized as much as possible.
Is this tour open to individuals or only groups?
This tour is strictly for group bookings only, with a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 35 participants per session.
Who is eligible to join the tour?
The tour is open to residents in Singapore, including work permit holders, with a minimum age of 12 years old (with adult supervision for minors).
What will I learn during the incineration plant tour?
You will learn how Singapore manages waste through:
Waste-to-energy processes
Reduction of waste volume by over 90%
Recovery of materials such as metals
How Singapore is working towards a zero waste nation
Where is the tour conducted?
The tour takes place at the Tuas South Incineration Plant, located in the western part of Singapore.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, this is an industrial facility visit that requires walking and the use of stairs, and is therefore not wheelchair accessible.
Can I take photos during the tour?
No, photography and videography are not allowed within the plant, unless approved by the authorities.
