As an integral part of Singapore’s strategy to build a sustainable, resource-efficient and climate-resilient nation, the Resource Sustainability Act 2019 (No. 29 of 2019) (RSA) sets out regulatory measures targeting the following three waste streams which generally have high generation and low recycling rates:
- Electrical and electronic waste
- Food waste
- Packaging waste.
The National Environmental Agency is responsible for administering and enforcing the RSA. If you believe your company is regulated or may, in the future, be regulated by the RSA, your company may wish to start thinking about the potential challenges and solutions in complying with the RSA. The consequences of failing to comply with the RSA are not insignificant — depending on the severity, is either a fine or imprisonment, or both. In addition, there are several offences under the RSA, particularly those relating to keeping records and submitting plans, that are on a strict liability basis. The mere failure to comply with these obligations is sufficient to trigger liability.
