SPEECH BY MR YIP HON WENG, MP FOR YIO CHU KANG SMC AT THE SECOND READING OF THE RESOURCE SUSTAINABILITY (AMENDMENT) BILL ON 21 MARCH 2023

Mr Speaker Sir,?

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1. The proposed measures in this Bill are important steps towards a more sustainable Singapore. I have some clarifications on the measures proposed in the Bill.

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(A) Charge for Disposable Plastic Bags

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2.???First, Mr Speaker sir, it is important that the scheme to charge for disposable plastic bags has been carefully studied for implementation. To ensure the success of this policy, we should learn from the experiences of other countries that have implemented similar schemes. What are some of the challenges that they have faced? What are the key lessons that we can learn from them?

3. I have received feedback from residents who question the need to discourage the use of plastic bags at supermarkets. Many members have also spoken about this. They argue that these bags are often reused by households to bag rubbish. They have expressed concern that discouraging plastic bag use may result in food waste being thrown directly down rubbish chutes. This leads to other environmental issues, like the breeding of pests. Are there plans in place to monitor this situation? Will there be increased enforcement of regulations targeting the failure to properly bag rubbish for disposal?

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4.???The Ministry has assured that the public will continue to have access to disposable bags from other sources. This includes those available for the bagging of fresh produce from supermarkets. Hence, it should not hinder the practice of responsible waste disposal. Even so, this could potentially lead residents to exploit such loopholes by taking extra bags.

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5.???Some residents have also shared that since plastic is incinerated in Singapore, their remains take up less space in landfills than other types of waste. They felt that the resources spent on discouraging the use of plastic bags could be better spent managing other types of waste instead. How has the Ministry factored in these perspectives in the implementation of the plastic bag charge?

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6.???Moreover, while the plastic bag charge is a positive step, it should not be viewed as the ultimate solution. Consumers might start purchasing single-use plastic bags from online and overseas retailers, where they are usually more affordable in bulk. How will the Ministry tackle this problem and ensure that we are not simply redirecting residents to another source of plastic bags that cannot be recycled? This may cause our residents to pay more and not solve the problem. Will this not impact our less well-off residents?

7. Another concern regarding the plastic bag charge is that retailers may use their voluntary participation in the scheme as an excuse to incorporate the cost into the prices of their products. In doing so, they continue to give out plastic bags without offering consumers a choice. This would make it difficult for consumers to know that they are paying for the bags, as the charge would be factored into the total bill. Whilst this may be small and insignificant when compared to the overall cost of the sales, this may constitute profiteering, especially for those who may have brought their own bags. ?How will the Ministry ensure that retailers are transparent about the plastic bag charge, and that consumers are fully informed about a retailer's plastic bag policy? It is crucial to grant all consumers the freedom to make choices about plastic bag usage to achieve the policy's objective. Otherwise, some businesses may take advantage of the situation. Ultimately, consumers will bear the losses.

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8.???This brings me to my next point: Is a 5-cent charge per plastic bag enough to discourage consumption, or should we consider charging more?[1] In fact, some retailers are already charging 10 cents per bag. I understand that supermarkets will also be required to publish information on how the proceeds from the sale of plastic bags would be used for charitable or environmental purposes. Are there existing guidelines as to what constitutes proper use of these funds?

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9.???Next, we should also consider expanding the plastic bag charge to cover all single-use disposable plastic items. My colleagues and I have raised concerns about the environmental impact of such items in Parliament before, and I have asked about the measures to reduce their use by enterprises.[2] With meetings, gatherings, and events resuming in full force, disposable cutlery, plates, and cups are once again being used at these occasions. For individuals, many F&B retailers already charge for takeaways with disposable containers and single-use cutlery. Therefore, a mandatory charge for disposable items would not be a new concept.

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10.???I am of the view that charging for single-use plastic bags is the right step forward, as we should discourage waste. Perhaps, when we as a society better understand the detrimental impact of plastic pollution on our health and the environment, we may consider a complete ban on single-use plastics, as momentary convenience may lead to prolonged harm on our health and the environment.

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(B)???Beverage Container Return Scheme

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11.???Second, Mr Speaker sir, I wish to raise some concerns regarding the Beverage Container Return Scheme. Will this scheme have an impact on karang gunis and waste collectors in the industry, since metal cans and plastic bottles are still sought after? Are there any potential disruptions in the waste management industry that need to be addressed, especially for elderly waste collectors who rely on collecting recyclables to supplement their income?

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12.???Could the Ministry mandate the establishment of beverage container return points in the community and public areas, instead of leaving it as a voluntary initiative? It seems reasonable to assume that these return points would be more heavily used, given that many consumers would purchase their beverages online or from the heartland retailers, vending machines, and supermarkets. If not, how does the Ministry plan to monitor demand, and increase the number of return points, if existing ones prove to be insufficient?

13.???Additionally, how does the scheme take into account the needs of seniors and those with mobility limitations, who may find it inconvenient to return beverage containers? These individuals would have to incur the extra costs of beverages, but may be unable to return the beverage containers for a refund of their deposits. What measures are in place to engage the public and ensure a high level of awareness and participation rates, particularly during the initial stages of implementation? Will the campaign be promoted in schools and community events? Will there be publicity materials in stores and public areas, reminding and instructing consumers to utilise the return points?

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(C)???Food Waste Management

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14.???Third, Mr Speaker sir, I have some questions regarding the food waste management scheme. Is the Ministry considering expanding the scheme to cover other types of buildings and premises, besides industrial and commercial buildings? Locations which comes to mind is the SAF cookhouses. Other potential sites may include schools, hospitals and nursing homes. With on-site classes returning in full force, have any recent studies been conducted on the amount of food waste generated in these premises? This may serve as an opportunity to raise awareness among NS recruits and students about the importance of not wasting food. It is important to start educating individuals from a young age.

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15.???I note that under current provisions, new buildings must treat food waste on-site. However, with approval from NEA, building managers of new buildings may seek alternative food waste treatment methods located off-site. Are these off-site facilities designated by NEA? What are the requirements, and is proximity among them? If so, how does the Ministry define whether an off-site facility is adequately close to the buildings, to ensure efficient and safe transportation of food waste??

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Conclusion

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16.???In conclusion, Mr Speaker sir, these initiatives are a step in the right direction towards promoting responsible consumption and changing mindsets in the long term. Pursuing these initiatives is ultimately about balancing business costs and sustainability efforts. Nonetheless, this does not need to be a zero sum game. More innovative solutions and technology must be explored, to make going green less costly and reduce the associated overheads.

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17.???Most importantly, we should endeavour not to have waste at all. We must embrace a culture that minimises waste, or even better, no waste, and practises consumption in moderation. This cannot be the sole responsibility of the Government. Rather, it must be a collective effort of every individual and organisation, to make a significant impact on our?environment. A New England proverb puts it most succinctly on how we can do so, and I quote: -

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18.???Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.

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19.???By doing this, we can achieve a greener and more sustainable Singapore for everyone.

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20.???I support the Bill. Thank you.

[1] In Hong Kong, consumers are HKD$1 per plastic bag, in Australia AUD 15 cents per plastic bag and in UK it is 10 pence a bag.

[2] https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=written-answer-12795