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Singapore - Minister of Sustainable Development and Environment, Fu Haiyan, stated that since the implementation of the 5-point minimum fee, large supermarket operators have found that the number of disposable shopping bags used by consumers has decreased by about 50% to 80%.

"Since its implementation on July 3, 2023, the mandatory one-time shopping bag fee has received widespread praise," Ms. Fu said in a written response submitted to National Assembly member Fu Meixia (People's Action Party West Coast) on Tuesday (January 9).

Ms. Fu asked to what extent the mandatory fees imposed by chain supermarkets on plastic bags have reduced the use of plastic bags in supermarkets and promoted wider recycling efforts.

Ms. Fu said, "Obligatory large supermarket operators have found that the number of disposable shopping bags used by consumers has decreased by about 50% to 80%."

Supermarket operators with annual revenue exceeding SGD 100 million will start charging at least 5 cents per disposable shopping bag on July 3, 2023. This includes NTUC FairPrice, Cold Storage, Giant, Sheng Siong, and Prime Supermarket.

These operators account for about two-thirds of all supermarkets in Singapore, or about 400.

According to a 2018 study by the Singapore Environment Council, Singaporean consumers take approximately 820 million plastic bags from supermarkets each year, or approximately 146 plastic bags per person per year.

Although charging for disposable shopping bags may force consumers to reconsider their choices and adopt more environmentally friendly practices, Ms. Fu pointed out that it may be "too early" to assess its impact now.

"Due to the implementation of garbage bag fees less than a year ago, it may be too early to determine whether it will also lead to an increase in participation in other recycling programs."

She also stated that it is difficult to directly attribute any changes in recycling habits to bag fees, as the focus of the initiative is on reducing rather than recycling.

Ms. Fu said, "We hope that the development of sustainable habits can bring about broader behavioral changes." She added that this fee is a "behavior driven" measure aimed at encouraging the public to adopt sustainable practices, including reducing the use of disposable shopping bags.