Exploration of the Role of Governance in Circular Economy Policy and a Look at Singapore’s Circular Economy Journey

In this chapter, we examine Singapore’s progressive yet pragmatic approach to advancing circular economy principles. The limitations of a dense, land-scarce city-state has led to Singapore adopting an incremental, policy-led model, supporting long-term planning, infrastructure investment, and regulatory reform. Central to this effort is the Resource Sustainability Act (2019), which provides the legislative basis for extended producer responsibility (EPR), food waste segregation, and mandatory packaging reporting. The chapter traces the evolution of Singapore’s waste management strategies, from incineration-based disposal systems to more an integrated, circular infrastructure, led by the new Tuas Nexus. It also explores successful implementation across key sectors, including water reuse (NEWater), construction and demolition waste, horticulture biomass, and emerging frameworks for packaging and textile recovery. While significant challenges remain, particularly in managing consumption driven waste streams and scaling recycling for complex materials, Singapore’s case illustrates how incremental, systems based governance can lay the groundwork for circularity. By aligning statutory instruments with industrial capability, research and innovation, and public education, Singapore demonstrates how circular economy goals can be advanced through coherent, adaptive policymaking, offering practical insights for other cities navigating similar constraints.