Those found rummaging through trash without leaving litter on the ground may get NEA advisory
While members of the public are discouraged from rummaging through public refuse bins, a “calibrated” approach will be taken in response to such incidents, said Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu.
If no litter is left on the ground, those caught rummaging may be given an advisory from the National Environment Agency (NEA), she added.
Source: 傅泽举 via Complaint Singapore on Facebook
MP asks about enforcement against people removing containers from trash
Ms Fu was responding to a parliamentary question from Punggol GRC MP Yeo Wan Ling, who brought up the issue of members of the public found removing beverage containers from public refuse bins.
She asked for more information about the enforcement against such actions, including in cases where no waste is scattered or no public hygiene issue is caused.
The minister had earlier said on 6 Oct that rummaging through public refuse bins and removing items from them is against the law.
However, many people have been seen foraging in public for refundable bottles and cans so they can exchange them for cash at Return Right machines across Singapore.
Source: @kim_thao_bg on TikTok
Rummaging through trash poses hygiene & safety concerns
In a written reply, Ms Fu maintained that NEA had “occasionally” received public feedback on people rummaging through refuse bins.
This was the case even before the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS), which was introduced on 1 April and fully implemented on 1 Oct.
NEA discourages members of the public from rummaging through public refuse bins, she said, noting that such actions may create “disamenities” to the wider community.
It also poses “hygiene and safety concerns” for those who do so, she added.
Source: MDDI Singapore on YouTube
NEA advisory possible as part of public education efforts
Nevertheless, the minister said that NEA’s initial focus would be on public education to promote good hygiene practices.
Thus, it would take a calibrated approach towards such incidents as it determines whether enforcement actions will be taken, she noted, adding:
Where individuals are found rummaging through public refuse bins without leaving litter on the ground, our officers may provide an advisory.
Govt engages vulnerable individuals, provides support
Ms Yeo also asked whether the Government would study and address the “potential root causes” of the trend of rummaging through the trash where relevant.
This includes the financial needs of those found doing so.
Ms Fu replied that such individuals may be referred “where appropriate” to social agencies for support.
She noted that the Vulnerable-in-Community Network, launched by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), engages vulnerable individuals to understand their circumstances and provide them with the necessary support.
Also read: Woman in Jurong West rummages through garbage bin for drink cans in the rain
Woman in Jurong West rummages through garbage bin for drink cans in the rain
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Featured image adapted from MDDI Singapore on YouTube and 傅泽举 via Complaint Singapore on Facebook.
