Minister Grace Fu, responsible for Sustainability and the Environment, has announced that individuals who face challenges returning their trays in food centers due to physical disabilities or frailty will not face enforcement action.
However, she emphasized that elderly patrons who are physically capable should return their used trays and utensils.
NEA and SFA officers empowered to collect diner information Starting from June 1, 2023, enforcement officers from the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) will be authorized to request personal information from diners who fail to return their used trays and crockery.
For first-time offenders, a written warning will be issued, while repeat offenders may be fined or summoned to court.
The issue of whether enforcement actions should be imposed on elderly individuals sparked a widespread debate when news emerged about an 80-year-old man who received a warning on the first day of enforcement at Chinatown Complex Food Centre.
According to the ticket issued to him, the warning was issued for failing to return his used chopsticks, bowl, and plate.
In response, the elderly man stated that he couldn’t locate the tray return rack and noticed that other patrons had left behind trays and utensils.
The incident generated intense online discussions, and a netizen expressed her “disappointment” in a letter to The Straits Times forum. She suggested that authorities should show leniency towards seniors who struggle with tray returns to promote a more inclusive and compassionate society.
During a parliamentary session on July 3, 2023, Dennis Tan, a Workers’ Party MP, raised a question to Minister Fu regarding the options available for seniors or individuals physically unable to return their trays.
In her written response, Fu reiterated that physically capable elderly patrons should make an effort to return their used trays and crockery. However, she assured that individuals with “genuine difficulties” resulting from physical disabilities or frailty would not face enforcement actions.
Fu also encouraged family members or caregivers accompanying these individuals to assist in tray and crockery returns on their behalf. In cases where individuals dine alone without any assistance, cleaners will be available to clear the trays and crockery left behind.
This approach aims to balance the importance of tray return with the recognition of genuine difficulties faced by some individuals, ensuring a fair and considerate system.