Starting from July 3, 2023, large supermarket operators in Singapore will be required to charge customers at least 5 cents per plastic bag. This is part of the government’s efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics and promote a more sustainable environment.

The following supermarkets will be charging for plastic bags:

• NTUC FairPrice
• Cold Storage
• Giant
• Sheng Siong
• Prime

Customers will be able to bring their own reusable bags to the supermarket or purchase reusable bags from the supermarket. Those who do not bring their own bags will be charged 5 cents per plastic bag.

The government expects that the plastic bag charge will reduce the use of plastic bags by 10-15%. This will help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and the environment.

The plastic bag charge is just one of a number of measures that the government is taking to reduce the use of single-use plastics. Other measures include banning the use of plastic straws and stirrers, and requiring food delivery companies to use reusable containers.

The government is committed to making Singapore a more sustainable city. The plastic bag charge is a step in the right direction, and it is expected to make a significant difference in reducing the use of single-use plastics.

Here are some tips for reducing your use of plastic bags:

• Bring your own reusable bags when you go shopping.
• Ask your supermarket if they offer recycling bags.
• If you do need to use a plastic bag, reuse it as many times as possible.
• Dispose of plastic bags properly.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and the environment.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/all-set-for-monday-when-free-plastic-bags-at-many-supermarkets-will-be-a-thing-of-the-past

Biodegradable plastic bags started to appear in supermarket shelves in large quantity for consumer to purchase for their shopping needs. This brings us to another thought on whether biodegradable bags will hinder the recycling process?

Yes, biodegradable bags can hinder the recycling process. This is because they are often made from different materials than conventional plastic bags, and these materials can contaminate the recycling stream. For example, some biodegradable bags are made from cornstarch or other plant-based materials, which can clog up recycling machines. Additionally, some biodegradable bags contain additives that help them break down more quickly, but these additives can also make them difficult to recycle.

When biodegradable bags are mixed in with conventional plastic bags, they can contaminate the entire batch of recycling. This means that the entire batch may have to be thrown away, even if it is mostly made from recyclable materials. This can waste a lot of resources and money, and it also defeats the purpose of recycling.

For these reasons, it is important to check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept biodegradable bags. If they do not, you should dispose of them in the trash.

Here are some tips for avoiding biodegradable bags:

• Bring your own reusable bags when you go shopping.
• Ask your local store if they offer paper bags as an alternative to plastic bags.
• If you do use a biodegradable bag, make sure to check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept them.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce the impact of biodegradable bags on the recycling process.