Those who rummage through rubbish bins for containers may be issued advisories: Grace Fu

The authorities in Singapore may provide "an advisory" to those found rummaging through public rubbish bins even without leaving litter on the ground, Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment said in a written parliamentary reply on Nov. 2.

She was responding to Punggol Member of Parliament (MP) Yeo Wan Ling, who had asked in parliament how will the ministry conduct enforcement against those found removing containers without causing disamenities.

Fu said in the reply: "Where individuals are found rummaging through public refuse bins without leaving litter on the ground, our officers may provide an advisory."

Rummaging through bins occurred before BCRS implemented

She clarified that the National Environment Agency (NEA) occasionally receives public feedback on individuals rummaging through refuse bins even before the Return Right Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) was introduced in April 2026.

It became fully operational on Oct. 1 after a six-month transition period.

She said: "NEA focuses first on public education to promote good hygiene practices. When such incidents occur, NEA takes a calibrated approach in determining whether enforcement actions will be taken."

"We discourage members of the public from rummaging. Apart from the potential disamenities to the wider community, there are also hygiene and safety concerns for the individuals doing so," Fu added.

Root causes of such behaviour

Yeo had also asked if the government will study and address the potential root causes of such behaviour, including financial need, where relevant.

In response, Fu said individuals will be referred to social agencies for further support.

"The Ministry of Social and Family Development works with community partners under the Vulnerable-in-Community Network to engage vulnerable individuals to understand their circumstances, and provide them with the necessary support," Fu added.

Over 48 million beverage containers have been collected as of Sep. 27.

The average number of containers per transaction has increased from 2.8 in April to 8.2 in September.

About 45 per cent of materials collected are metal and 55 per cent are plastics, NEA said on Oct. 1.