Singapore, renowned for its pristine streets and commitment to cleanliness, has stringent laws in place to deter littering.
The city-state’s measures are designed to instill a sense of responsibility among its residents and visitors.
Littering Laws in Singapore
Littering is unequivocally illegal in Singapore, and the government takes a strong stance against any actions that compromise the cleanliness of public spaces.
The regulations are not just confined to monetary penalties but extend to corrective measures that aim to reinforce the importance of maintaining a litter-free environment.
Consequences of Littering
If caught littering in Singapore, individuals may face a range of consequences, including:
Fines for First-Time Offenders: First-time offenders can be slapped with fines of up to SGD 1,000. This financial penalty serves as an immediate deterrent to discourage littering.
Higher Fines for Repeat Offenders: Repeat offenders face steeper fines, with penalties escalating to a maximum of SGD 2,000. The progressive nature of the fines emphasizes the seriousness of repeated littering offenses.
Corrective Work Order (CWO): In addition to fines, repeat offenders may be subject to a Corrective Work Order (CWO). This entails spending several hours engaged in public cleaning activities, such as picking up litter in a park. The visibility of this corrective measure is heightened as individuals may wear bright jackets, and local media may be invited to cover the process.
Legal Ramifications
Littering can have more severe consequences beyond fines and corrective work orders.
Submitting false evidence in court regarding a littering offense can lead to imprisonment. An illustrative case involved a habitual litterbug who was jailed for six weeks for providing false evidence.
Still have some travel questions? Ask in our Travel WhatsApp Group.
