New legislation aims to tackle packaging waste, promote recycling, and reduce food waste in Singapore.
SINGAPORE — Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, introduced the Resource Sustainability (Amendment) Bill for its first reading in Parliament on February 6. The bill seeks to reduce packaging and food waste and aims to drive behavioural changes across Singapore to promote waste reduction and recycling. Among the key measures, the bill proposes a compulsory five-cent charge for plastic bags at larger supermarkets.
In a joint media release by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment (MSE), both agencies outlined the three main measures within the bill: a disposable carrier bag charge at supermarkets, a beverage container return scheme, and a food waste reporting framework. These initiatives are designed to support the national targets under the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the Zero Waste Masterplan, which aims to reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill per capita by 30% and to increase the national recycling rate to 70% by 2030. These measures will also help extend the lifespan of the Semakau Landfill.
The disposable carrier bag charge, initially announced during the Committee of Supply debates in March 2022, is expected to be implemented by mid-2024. It will apply to all types of disposable carrier bags in supermarkets with an annual turnover of more than S$100 million. This will include major supermarket chains such as NTUC FairPrice, Cold Storage, Giant, Sheng Siong, and Prime supermarket outlets, covering about two-thirds of all supermarket outlets in Singapore.
To ensure accountability and transparency, supermarket operators will be required to disclose the number of bags issued, the amount of proceeds from the bag charge, and how the proceeds are used, including donations to charitable or environmental causes.
In addition to the plastic bag charge, the beverage container return scheme will require consumers to pay a small deposit when purchasing certain pre-packaged drinks. Consumers can claim a full refund of the deposit by returning their empty containers at designated return points. This initiative aims to encourage the return of beverage containers and increase their recycling rate.
The scheme will also contribute to zero waste efforts by promoting recycling habits among Singaporeans, improving the quality and quantity of recyclables, and supporting the growth of the recycling industry. Both NEA and MSE have been consulting industry players, the public, and other stakeholders since 2020 to develop a scheme tailored to Singapore’s needs.
Another significant component of the bill addresses food waste. In 2021, Singapore generated 817,000 tonnes of food waste, with only 19% being recycled. Commercial and industrial premises account for approximately 40% of this food waste. Starting in 2024, owners and operators of industrial and commercial buildings generating large amounts of food waste will be required to segregate it for treatment.
The bill aims to advance Singapore’s sustainability efforts and contribute to a cleaner, greener future for the nation.
