# data[].attributes.body
Questions:

How much food waste is there in Singapore?

How does Singapore manage its food waste?

Where does food waste in Singapore end up in?

Websites:

1. https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/waste-management/3r-programmes-and-resources/food-waste-management

2. https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/waste-management/3r-programmes-and-resources/food-waste-management/food-waste-management-strategies

3. https://www.sg101.gov.sg/resources/connexionsg/challengeaccepted-combating-food-wastage/

4. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sustainability/food-waste-segregation-treatment-mbs-digesters-food-recycling-3574461

# data[].attributes.body
6 August

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Unavoidable food waste accounts for 40% of food waste generated each year in the Asia Pacific Region.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What is clay-rich soil?

2. What are its characteristics?

3. What is the texture like?

4. What are its benefits?

5. What are its challenges?

https://gardeningsg.nparks.gov.sg/page-index/horticulture-techniques/soil/

https://www.thespruce.com/understanding-and-improving-clay-soil-2539857

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Soil is a key component of the garden that supplies essential nutrients, water, oxygen and root support for plants to…

# data[].attributes.headline
Neil - Singapore's food waste management.

# data[].attributes.subject
Neil - Singapore's food waste management.

# data[].attributes.body
Singapore has developed a relatively robust and evolving food waste management system, given its land constraints, limited natural resources, and high population density

Overview of the Food Waste Problem in Singapore

Volume: In 2023, Singapore generated about 813,000 tonnes of food waste.

Recycling Rate: Only about 18% of food waste was recycled in recent years.

Environmental Impact: Food waste accounts for a significant portion of the total waste incinerated, contributing to carbon emissions and consuming landfill space.

# data[].attributes.body
I wonder how did they make the clay ?

# data[].attributes.body
who started the company?

# data[].attributes.body
I wonder why the clay looks abit mushier than normal clay

# data[].attributes.body
I wonder how the clay hardens, does it dry by itself or does it need to be heated?

# data[].attributes.body
Clay-rich soil is soil that contains a high percentage of clay particles, which are the smallest type of soil particles (less than 0.002 mm in diameter). Because of the small size and flat shape of clay particles, they pack tightly together, giving clay-rich soil some distinctive characteristics.

# data[].attributes.body
Singapore's Food Waste Management System:

1) The total amount of fodd generated in 2023 was 755,000 tonnes, a dip from 2022 figures.

2) An average Singaporean wastes around 2000 in HDB flats.

# data[].attributes.body
What is Clay-Rich Soil?

Soil that contains a high percentage of clay particles (less than 0.002 mm in size).

Known for being dense, heavy, and slow-draining.

Often forms cracks when dry and becomes sticky when wet.

Characteristics of Clay-Rich Soil:

Fine particles tightly packed together.

High water retention (holds water for a long time).

Slow drainage, leading to possible waterlogging.

Rich in nutrients due to high cation exchange capacity.

Becomes hard when dry, and sticky or plastic-like when wet.

What is its Texture Like?

Smooth and slippery when wet (feels like putty or modeling clay).

Hard and compact when dry (can form clods or cracks).

Sticky and often sticks to tools, shoes, and hands.

Difficult to crumble or break apart compared to sandy or loamy soil.

What are the Benefits?

Nutrient-rich – holds essential minerals well.

Good water retention – helpful in dry climates or for drought-tolerant plants.

Stable base – good for supporting heavy plants and structures.

Once improved, it can become very fertile and productive.

What are the Challenges?

Poor drainage – risk of root rot and waterlogging.

Slow to warm up in spring – can delay planting.

Hard to work with – heavy and compact, especially when wet or dry.

Prone to compaction – limits air and root movement.

Crusting and cracking – surface may dry out and split in hot conditions.

# data[].attributes.body
How is the clay made?

# data[].attributes.body
Clay-rich soil is a type of soil that contains a high percentage of clay particles—typically more than 40% clay by weight. Clay particles are the smallest soil particles, less than 0.002 mm in diameter, which gives clay-rich soil its distinctive characteristics. 1. Texture

Smooth and sticky when wet

Hard and compact when dry

Can be easily rolled into a ball or ribbon when moistened

2. Water Retention

Holds water very well

Drains slowly, which can cause waterlogging

Soil stays wet for a long time after rain or watering

3. Poor Aeration

Tiny particles leave little space for air

Roots may suffocate if the soil stays too wet

4. High Nutrient Holding Capacity

Clay particles are negatively charged and bind well to nutrients (like potassium, calcium, magnesium)

Makes clay soil naturally fertile

5. Compaction

Tends to become dense and compact, especially when walked on or tilled while wet

Makes it harder for roots to grow and water to move through

6. Slow to Warm Up

Because it holds water, clay soil warms slowly in spring

This can delay planting or early root development

7. Fertility

Despite drainage issues, it’s usually nutrient-rich

Ideal for crops and plants that like moist, stable soils (e.g., rice, some perennials)

Clay-rich soil is fertile and moisture-retentive, making it excellent for many crops.

However, drainage and compaction problems require smart soil management (like adding compost or sand, and avoiding overwatering).

Clay-rich soil is fertile and moisture-retentive, making it excellent for many crops.

However, drainage and compaction problems require smart soil management (like adding compost or sand, and avoiding overwatering).

Clay-rich soil is fertile and moisture-retentive, making it excellent for many crops.

However, drainage and compaction problems require smart soil management (like adding compost or sand, and avoiding overwatering)

# data[].attributes.body
Key Characteristics of Clay-Rich Soil:

1. Texture: Very fine and smooth when dry; sticky and moldable when wet.

2. Water Retention: Holds water well, often too well—drainage is slow.

3. Nutrient Retention: High capacity to hold nutrients (high cation exchange capacity), making it potentially very fertile.

4. Poor Drainage: Can become waterlogged easily, especially in compacted areas.

5. Compaction: Prone to compacting, which can reduce air and water movement.

6. Cracking: When dry, it often forms deep cracks due to shrinking.

# data[].attributes.body
Food waste that is improperly managed may give rise to odour nuisance issues and even diseases. Food waste may also contaminate other recyclables in the blue recycling bins and end up compromising the recycling outcomes.

# data[].attributes.body
I wonder how much profit they make from those classes

# data[].attributes.body
Why does the clay look so wierd

# data[].attributes.body
I wonder how they can turn mushy food waste into clay that is sturdy enough to be used to make figurines and plant pots.

# data[].attributes.body
The texture of clay-rich soil is very distinctive and depends on its moisture content:

When wet:

Sticky and heavy: It clings to your hands, boots, and tools.

Plastic and moldable: You can roll it into shapes or ribbons without it breaking apart.

Slimy or slick feel: Because of the fine particles and high water content.

When dry:

Hard and compact: Feels dense and can be difficult to break apart.

Smooth and powdery when crushed: The particles are so fine that they almost feel like dust.

Crusty surface: It may form a hard crust that cracks when dried out.

In the soil texture triangle (used to classify soil types), clay soils are those with 40% or more clay content. They feel very different from sandy (gritty) or loamy (balanced) soils. A simple way to test: rub a bit between your fingers—if it feels smooth and sticky, it's likely clay-rich.

# data[].attributes.body
-The proportion of sand, organic matter and clay particles will determine the soil texture and type.

-Sandy soils will not hold its shape, loamy soil will form clumps that are easy to break apart, and clayey soil will form balls and ribbons that are soft and easy to shape.

# data[].attributes.body
We wonder who found this company

# data[].attributes.body
DID YOU KNOW

-----------------------

The recycling rate of food is about 18% yearly

# data[].attributes.body
When did they start this company

# data[].attributes.body
We wonder found this clay？

# data[].attributes.body
I wonder how they make the clay

# data[].attributes.body
🇸🇬 Food Waste in Singapore

1. How Much Food Waste?

About 755,000 tonnes in 2023.

Each person wastes around 128 kg per year.

Only 18% is recycled, the rest is disposed of.

2. How Is It Managed?

Prevention: Public campaigns and smart tech help reduce waste.

Redistribution: Edible surplus food is given to charities.

Segregation & Recycling: Large producers must separate food waste.

Treatment: Food waste is turned into compost, animal feed, or energy.

3. Where Does It Go?

Most is incinerated, with ash sent to Semakau Landfill.

A portion is recycled or donated.

# data[].attributes.body
Clay-rich soil offers several important benefits, especially when managed properly. Here’s a breakdown:

🌱 1. High Nutrient Retention

Clay particles hold onto nutrients like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron.

This gives plants a steady supply of minerals essential for healthy growth.

💧2. Excellent Water-Holding Capacity

Clay holds water much better than sandy soils.

This makes it ideal in dry climates or for plants that prefer moist conditions.

Less frequent watering is often needed.

🌾 3. High Natural Fertility

Because of both its nutrient- and water-holding abilities, clay-rich soil can be very fertile.

With the right structure, it can support high-yield crops like grains, vegetables, and fruit trees.

🌍 4. Strong Soil Structure (when improved)

When amended with organic matter (like compost), clay can develop a stable, crumbly structure that resists erosion.

Well-structured clay holds together yet allows plant roots to grow and spread.

💪 5. Supportive for Deep-Rooting Plants

Once improved, clay can support large, deep-rooting crops or trees because of its strength and moisture retention.

Bonus: Clay soil can also act as a carbon sink because it binds organic matter tightly, slowing down decomposition and storing carbon.

# data[].attributes.body
Clay has the smallest particles, usually less than 0.002 mm in diameter. Plants grown in soil mixes without clay will often have nutrient deficiencies and are prone to wilting due to rapid water loss. Clay soil is quite sticky, since there is not much space between the mineral particles, and it does not drain well at all. If you have noticed that water tends to puddle on the ground rather than soak in, it is likely your soil is clay.

# data[].attributes.body
How do they even make the clay????

# data[].attributes.body
What does the clay feel like

# data[].attributes.body
Clay has the smallest particles, usually less than 0.002 mm in diameter. Clay retains water and nutrients well due to its tiny, dense particles. Plants grown in soil mixes without clay will often have nutrient.

Clay soil also can be a challenge for gardeners. While some trees and shrubs grow well in clay soil, most annuals, perennials, and vegetables don't have strong enough roots. Clay particles are extremely dense and resistant to water movement, which is not conducive to root growth.

# data[].attributes.body
Who created the clay

# data[].attributes.body
I wonder how they make the clay

# data[].attributes.body
Clay-rich soils are soil mixes that consist of 50% or more of clay. They are dense and heavy soils which do not drain well or provide space for plant roots to establish. On hot days, they become hard and dry, and become sticky when wet. However, they have a great capacity to hold nutrients and need little fertilising. They also tend to be waterlogged because water is not able to drain away easily, which tends to lead to root rot for a lot of plants. Some native plants can tolerate and grow well in this kind of difficult soil. Most untreated true ground soils are clay-rich soils and will need soil amendments to improve it. Clay-rich soils are generally sold commercially as 'topsoil'

# data[].attributes.body
Why did they decide to upcycle the waste/leftover food waste into clay? Is there a reason?

# data[].attributes.body
As part of the nation's bid towards zero waste, the government has built an integrated liquid and solid treatment plant at Tuas, which can treat up to 400 tonnes of food waste per day.

# data[].attributes.body
It is mostly made up of very fine mineral particles, measuring only 0.002 mm in diameter (for comparison, sand particles range between 0.05 and 2.0 mm in diameter) and not much organic matter.

# data[].attributes.body
Clay soil cannot be changed overnight. Depending on how much clay your soil contains, it takes years of continually adding organic matter to prevent your dirt from returning to heavy clay. Fortunately, plant material you leave each fall will break down and work its way into the soil and help to transform the soil.

Continue to mulch your garden with more compost and also plant cover crops to add green manure to the soil. After one or two gardening seasons, it's a good idea to do a detailed soil test (available at your local Extension Office) to see if you have any nutrient deficiencies or pH issues.

The report's results will offer suggestions on how to improve the garden further, such as adding organic fertilizers or soil amendmentsto help you grow healthy plants for years to come.

# data[].attributes.body
I wonder how the clay harden.

do you need put water like the other clays i play with.

If i want to make the clay how do i made it.

# data[].attributes.body
Clay-rich soil comes with several challenges that can make it tough to manage—especially for gardening or farming—if not properly improved. Here's a breakdown:

🚫 1. Poor Drainage

Clay holds water tightly, so it drains very slowly.

This can lead to waterlogging, which drowns plant roots and encourages root rot or fungal diseases.

🧱 2. Compaction

Clay soil is easily compacted when walked on or worked while wet.

Compacted soil has poor air flow, making it hard for roots to breathe and grow.

Because it holds water, clay-rich soil warms up slowly in spring.

This can delay seed germination and early planting.

penetrate.

❄️ 3. Slow to Warm in Spring

Because it holds water, clay-rich soil warms up slowly in spring.

This can delay seed germination and early planting.

🔥 4. Hard and Crusty When Dry

In dry conditions, clay becomes very hard—almost like concrete.

This makes digging, planting, or root penetration very difficult.

💧 5. Surface Crusting and Cracking

After rain, the surface may crust over, creating a hard seal that blocks water and air. 🌱 6. Difficult to Work With

Clay is sticky and heavy when wet, and tough when dry.

Timing is critical—working it when it's too wet or too dry can make things worse.

Despite these challenges, clay soil can be transformed with the right techniques—like adding organic matter, gypsum, or creating raised beds.

# data[].attributes.body
Some challenges: Although some trees and shrubs grow well grow well in clay rich soil. Most plants do not have strong enough roots.

Clay particals are dense and are resistent to water which is not conducive to root growth. Clay with soil is one of the 3 basic soil types.

Disadvantages

Slower draining

Slow to warm up

Compacts easily making it difficult for plant roots to grow

Clay soil is not suitable for vegetables that need a ph between 6.3 and 7.0

# data[].attributes.body
How does it become clay?

# data[].attributes.body
Who founded the clay?

# data[].attributes.body
What? A key component that supplies nutrients for plants.

Characteristics? Porosity, density, water-holding capacity.

Texture? The proportion of organic matter will determine the texture.

Benefits? Retains moisture and nutrients well.

Challenges? Slow draining, warms up during spring, frost heaving in the winter.

# data[].attributes.body
I wonder how and where they get the reused items

# data[].attributes.body
Why did start the company

# data[].attributes.body
Did you know that unavidable food food waste accounts 40%

of food waste generated each year in the Asia Pacific Region

# data[].attributes.body
1. Clay rich soil also known as clay soil, is characterized by a high proportion of clay particles, typically 30% or more.

2. Clay rich soil are characterized by their fine particle size, which leads to several distinctive properties. These include high plasticity when wet, stickiness, and the ability to hold a large amount of water.