No, burning trash in Singapore is illegal under the Environmental Public Health Act and the National Environment Agency’s enforcement guidelines. The city-state’s zero-waste policy and strict air quality standards prohibit open burning, with penalties including fines up to S$2,000 or prosecution under the Pollution Control Act 1999. From 2026, new waste-to-energy regulations will further criminalize backyard incineration, aligning with Singapore’s 2030 Green Plan.
Key Regulations for Burning Trash in Singapore
- Environmental Public Health Act (EPHA): Section 29 explicitly bans the burning of refuse in residential, commercial, or industrial premises without a permit, which is rarely granted.
- Pollution Control Act 1999: Open burning constitutes an offence under Section 12, with enforcement by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) conducting joint patrols.
- Waste Management and Recycling Act 2022: Introduces stricter penalties for illegal burning, including mandatory community service for repeat offenders, effective from 2026.
Local authorities prioritize waste segregation and incineration at licensed facilities like TuasOne or Senoko Waste-to-Energy Plants. Violations detected via thermal imaging or public reports trigger immediate investigations. Exemptions apply only to controlled agricultural or horticultural burning, requiring prior approval from NEA’s Pollution Control Department.