Disposable Plastic Bag Use in Supermarkets Dropped Up to 80% After 5-Cent Charge Came into Effect

By
Winnie Su
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Last Updated on 2024-01-16 , 1:06 am

Singapore’s Plastic Bag Usage Plunges by 80% Following New 5-Cent Charge

The implementation of plastic bag charges in Singapore, which began on 3 July 2023, marked a significant shift in consumer behaviour.

Supermarkets with an annual turnover exceeding S$100 million were mandated to impose a minimum charge of 5 cents per disposable carrier bag.

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This regulation affected about two-thirds of major supermarket outlets, including NTUC FairPrice, Cold Storage, Giant, Sheng Siong, and Prime.

It’s intriguing to consider that plastic bags, once a free commodity, have now become a charged item.

The pertinent question is: has this initiative been effective?

Six months into its implementation, the data affirmatively points to a ‘yes’.

Since the charge was introduced, there has been a substantial decrease in the use of plastic bags.

Plastic Bag Use Dropped by 80% Constantly

According to the Straits Times, within just a month of the policy’s implementation, there was a 50% to 80% reduction in the usage of disposable carrier bags.

This trend has remained consistent, as reported by CNA.

In a written parliamentary response to MP Foo Mee Har (PAP-West Coast), Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, confirmed the positive reception of this mandatory charge.

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Looking at the UK’s experience, where similar charges were implemented in 2015, there are parallel results.

The initial 5 pence charge, later increased to 10 pence, led to a dramatic 98% reduction in plastic bag usage, as reported by The Guardian.

However, this success in reduction doesn’t fully address the other aspects of environmental sustainability—specifically, recycling efforts.

While the initiative has effectively reduced plastic bag usage, the journey towards encouraging reuse and recycling as part of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) is ongoing.

In a 2018 study by the Singapore Environment Council, it was found that Singaporeans used approximately 820 million plastic bags from supermarkets annually, averaging about 146 bags per person.

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To maintain the efficacy of the bag charge, continuous policy effectiveness, regular monitoring, and adaptability to consumer behaviour changes are crucial.

Although the bag charge instills hope that consumers will adopt more eco-friendly habits, Ms Fu has noted that it might be “too early” to assess the full impact of this change.

Nonetheless, she remains optimistic about the potential for broader behavioural change.

An important question arises: What happens to the proceeds from the plastic bag charges?

Supermarkets like NTUC FairPrice, Prime Supermarket, Sheng Siong, and DFI Retail Group (which oversees Cold Storage and Giant) have been collecting additional funds through this initiative.

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According to CNA, these proceeds are being directed towards social and environmental causes.

For instance, Sheng Siong has partnered with the non-governmental organisation Zero Waste SG in a three-month campaign encouraging customers to opt for recyclable bags.

Prime Supermarket is exploring the introduction of reusable bags at a reduced cost for its customers.

Furthermore, NTUC FairPrice has previously channelled its proceeds to support green initiatives, including a S$180,000 donation to the National Parks Board’s OneMillionTrees movement.

As part of the proposed legislation, supermarkets are expected to disclose information regarding the number of bags issued, the proceeds from the bag charge, and the utilisation of these funds.

This transparency is a key step in ensuring that the policy not only reduces plastic bag use but also supports broader environmental objectives.

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Winnie Su
Email: [email protected]