With effect from July 3, 2023, you will have to fork out a mandatory minimum charge of $0.05 for disposable carrier bags used in Singapore Food Agency-licensed supermarket operators, due to a rule introduced by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) with the National Environment Agency (NEA).
This charge covers about two thirds of large supermarket retailers with an annual turnover of more than $100 million, and that will include Cold Storage, Sheng Siong, NTUC Fairprice, Giant and Prime supermarkets.
Known as the Disposable Carrier Bag Charge (DCBC), the charge does not only apply to carrier plastic bags but also other materials such as paper and biodegradable materials. As an effort to strive towards a Zero Waste Nation, the DCBC encourages shoppers to bring their own reusable bags instead of relying on single use carrier bags. However, the charges exclude flat-top plastic bags used to bag fresh produce, meat and seafood.
With this notice, popular supermarket chains have already adopted various ways to implement these charges at self-checkout counters – some with plastic bag dispensers while others rely on an “honor” system where customers themselves are to scan barcodes to add the charges of each bag.
In case your regular supermarket has imposed these charges, here’s what you should know.
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The Supermarkets Imposing the DCBC And Some Revisions To Previous Carrier Bag Charges
In total, 17 supermarket operators with about 400 outlets island wide will be imposing the carrier bag charge, or DCBC of $0.05.
Large supermarket operators under the DCBC/Image Credit: National Environment Agency
It is interesting to note that previously some supermarkets like FairPrice Group charged $0.20 for carrier bags used across some of its outlets. These charges will be reduced to the mandated $0.05 charge with effect from July 3. Similarly, other supermarkets with carrier bag charges higher than $0.05 will revise their carrier bag rates.
How FairPrice, Cold Storage, Giant And Sheng Siong Are Implementing The Carrier Bag Charges
Some popular supermarket brands have come up with ways for customers to pay for their carrier bags.
While cashiers and online orders have the straightforward method of adding the cost of each plastic bag used, self-checkout counters pose a different issue. Some supermarkets are determined to ensure that customers are paying for the bags by stationing staff around self-checkout counters while others are going for innovative approached by implementing bag dispensers while others rely on an “honor” system with the trust that customers will scan the barcodes on carrier bags.
NTUC FairPrice
For NTUC FairPrice outlets, a barcode sticker is pasted at self-checkout counters for customers to scan, checks from DollarsAndSense revealed. A bag costs $0.05.
According to FairPrice Group, customers have to scan a barcode sticker located at the bottom of the self-checkout screen each time they require a bag. There is also the option to indicate if they have brought their own bag and would not be requiring any carrier bags.
Reusable carrier bags are also sold separately in FairPrice outlets.
Cold Storage and Giant
Similarly, checks done in 24-hour outlets on July 3 after 12am showed that Cold Storage and Giant implementing barcode cards at their self-checkout counters. Customers will have to scan the barcode each time a carrier bag is needed.
Reusable carrier bags are also sold separately in their outlets.
A spokesperson said the relevant supermarkets which are under the DFI Retail Group are working closely to ensure a smooth transition, with all team members briefed and trained on the necessary procedures.
Sheng Siong
A Sheng Siong spokesperson said that outlets with self-checkout counters will come with an in-built plastic bag dispenser. Customers will have to press a button on the digital screen if they need a plastic bag. After which, the plastic bags will be dispensed accordingly, the charges of the bags will be reflected on the payment screens and printed out on receipts.
There will be 30 self-checkout counters by July 3 and the target is to have 50 self-checkout counters by year end. Sheng Siong has 68 outlets island-wide.
Checks on July 3 after 12am from DollarsAndSense revealed that Sheng Siong heartland outlets where self-checkout counters have not rolled out have barcodes printed individually on the carrier bags and staff will assist customers in scanning the required amount of carrier bags.
Reusable carrier bags are also sold separately in Sheng Siong outlets. Customers are encouraged to bring their own bags. Proceeds from DCBC will go to social and environmental causes.
Are Smaller Retailers Part Of This Scheme Too
The mandatory charges only apply to larger supermarket operators for now as they are well-resourced to take the necessary action to implement the requirements (this may be in the form of bring-your-own-bag or BYOB incentives or charities).
Though not mandated to, smaller retailers may also implement charges of their own volition. This can already be seen in effect in some supermarkets and retailers.
| Retailer | Cost of bags |
| The Body Shop | $0.10 per transaction |
| Guardian | $0.05 per transaction |
| Watsons | $0.10 per transaction |
| 7-Eleven | $0.10 per transaction |
| H&M | $0.10 per bag |
| Pet Lovers Centre | $0.10 per bag |
Where Will The Proceeds From The Plastic Bag Charges Go
To prevent the misuse of the proceeds earned, supermarket operators will have to publish information in regard to the number of bags issued, amount of proceeds received and how the proceeds are utilised. Though given the autonomy, NEA strongly advises for these operators to put the proceeds into good use through supporting charitable programs, BYOB initiatives and other sustainability-related initiatives.
To promote the charges, NEA has also released posters to be put up in the relevant supermarkets. These posters also encourage customers to bring their own bags while shopping.
Featured Image Credit: Sarah Hannah Charles/DollarsAndSense
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The post Guide To Paying For Disposable Carrier Bags At Popular Supermarkets From 3 July 2023 appeared first on DollarsAndSense.sg.
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