Singapore’s disposable bag charge cuts supermarket plastic use by up to 80% – NEA

SINGAPORE — Singapore’s mandatory disposable carrier bag charge, introduced in July 2023, has led to a significant reduction in supermarket plastic bag use, with participating retailers reporting a 70–80% drop in the first year.

Overseen by the National Environment Agency (NEA), the initiative aims to curb plastic waste while encouraging sustainable consumer behaviour.

Under the scheme, supermarket operators with annual turnover exceeding S$100 million are required to charge a minimum of 5¢ per disposable bag at physical store checkouts, regardless of material type.

The policy currently covers around two-thirds of licensed supermarket outlets nationwide. Consumers are encouraged to bring reusable bags, and supermarkets continue to offer sustainable packing options for both in-store and online orders.

“The sharp decline in bag issuance demonstrates the effectiveness of modest price signals in influencing consumer habits,” said an NEA spokesperson. Similar bag charge policies in regions such as the European Union and Hong Kong have produced comparable results, underscoring the measure’s global effectiveness.

While the primary goal is behaviour change, the policy also encourages retailers to channel collected proceeds toward environmental or social initiatives, though this is not legally mandated.

Recent public commentary has highlighted concerns over the allocation of funds. Some supermarket operators have reported using a portion of proceeds for internal sustainability improvements, such as energy-efficient refrigeration and pilot programmes, rather than external environmental projects.

Retailers defend these expenditures, noting that such investments contribute indirectly to environmental goals by reducing operational carbon footprints.

To maintain transparency, supermarkets are required to publish annual data on bag numbers and funds collected, allowing public and regulatory review of usage.

The bag charge forms part of Singapore’s wider Zero Waste Masterplan and the Green Plan 2030, which aim to reduce packaging waste and greenhouse gas emissions from disposable products.

Public consultations prior to implementation indicated broad support for a per-bag charge model, which has proven more effective at driving behaviour change than outright bans in other markets.

As Singapore monitors the policy’s ongoing impact, authorities may refine aspects of the scheme to ensure environmental outcomes align with public expectations.

Early results indicate that even a small, targeted levy can substantially reduce single-use plastic consumption, highlighting the role of economic incentives in achieving sustainability goals.

This initiative complements broader regional efforts in Asia to reduce plastic pollution, following successful bag charge implementations in Taiwan, South Korea, and certain Australian states, demonstrating a growing commitment to circular economy principles across the region.

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