Resource Sustainability Act 2019

This Act will give legislative effect to the regulatory measures targeting the three priority waste streams of e-waste, food waste and packaging waste, including plastics. The Act is meant to be an integral part of Singapore’s strategy to build a sustainable, resource-efficient and climate-resilient nation, according to a press release by the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment dated 30 July 2020. It imposes obligations relating to the collection and treatment of electrical and electronic waste and food waste, to require reporting of packaging imported into or used in Singapore, to regulate persons operating producer responsibility schemes, and to promote resource sustainability. For e-waste, operators are meant to set up in-store e-waste collection points and provide take-back services during delivery; they are expected to reach collection targets. For food waste, owners and operators of commercial and industrial premises generating large amounts of food waste are to segregate their food wastre for treatment. In 2023, the Act was amended to include a mandatory disposable carrier bag charge for large supermarket operators, a beverage container resource scheme to commence in 2025 and a reporting fraemwork for the treatment of food waste in prescribed buildings.