For ensuring comprehensive cleanliness and protection of the environment, licensing of general waste disposal facilities in Singapore will be started from August 1, announced National Environment Agency (NEA) today.
“As the volume of waste being disposed of continues to increase, the new licensing requirement will enhance the existing regulatory framework to safeguard public health and environment,” said NEA in a press release.
General waste disposal facilities are defined as facilities that receive, store, process or treat general waste, and include recycling facilities. There are more than 300 general waste disposal facilities in Singapore.
Under the licensing framework, facilities will be licensed to receive certain types of waste and they will be required to show they have the appropriate equipment to process the waste. This will ensure that the waste received is properly treated.
NEA pointed out, “They will also be required to have proper storage systems and comply with the approved storage limits stipulated in their licence. These measures will help mitigate dust, vector and odour nuisance, as well as any potential fire risks.”
Under the framework, NEA may inspect licensed facilities and require licensees to take corrective actions if operations at their facilities might affect public health or cause environmental problems. Licensees that contravene the licence conditions can be fined up to SGD10,000 under the Environmental Public Health (General Waste Disposal Facilities) Regulations.
The release added, “NEA will accept applications for the general waste disposal facility licence from August 1, and all owners/operators will have until July 31, 2018 to obtain their licence. Those who establish or operate a disposal facility without the necessary licence or exemption declaration approval can be fined up to SGD50,000 under the Environmental Public Health Act, and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months.”