According to authorities, a total of 73 written warnings have been issued to customers within a week of implementing stricter enforcement measures against individuals who fail to return their trays and dishes.
The joint media release from the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) stated that enforcement operations occurred daily over the past week at 95 hawker centres and 120 coffee shops or food courts.
Starting from June 1, the crackdown targeted diners at hawker centres, coffee shops, and food courts who neglected to clear their tables.
As of June 7, 73 written warnings have been handed out. NEA and SFA mentioned that these warnings were issued to individuals who were physically capable of cleaning up after themselves, emphasizing that enforcement action would not be taken against those who were unable to do so, such as frail elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, or children.
The agencies also stated that in such cases, family members or dining companions present should assist in clearing the tables. No fines were imposed during the period from June 1 to June 7 since no repeat offenses were observed.
Additionally, the authorities reminded diners not to leave behind litter, including used tissues, drink cans, shells, and bones, but to return them along with the trays and used dishes.
While cleaners will clean the tables after use, SFA and NEA encouraged diners to maintain cleanliness, particularly during peak hours.
SFA and NEA expressed gratitude towards the majority of diners who have exhibited social graciousness at hawker centres, coffee shops, and food courts, urging the public to cooperate with enforcement officers if approached.
Under the strengthened enforcement measures, first-time offenders will receive written warnings, while repeat offenders will face fines or court charges.
Prior to the stricter measures, enforcement officers only issued written warnings to individuals who refused to comply with their requests to return trays and dishes.
The requirement to return trays and used dishes has been in effect since September 1, 2021, for hawker centres and January 1, 2022, for coffee shops and food courts.
As of May, the average rate of tray and dish returns at hawker centres has risen to 91 percent, compared to 65 percent in August 2021.
Coffee shops and food courts have also maintained their return rates at 90 percent since December 2022.