2 men fined $6,800 for collecting greasy waste in Bedok and Yishun

SINGAPORE - Two men were convicted for the illegal collection of greasy waste from grease traps and fined a total of $6,800.

According to a statement from the National Environment Agency (NEA), the first man was fined $3,800 for the illegal collection of greasy waste from the grease traps serving Bedok North Street 1 Hawker Centre and the eateries at Yishun Street 81 and Lorong 4 Toa Payoh on four occasions between September and October 2014.

The second man was fined $3,000 for the illegal collection of the waste from the grease traps serving the eateries at Yishun Street 81 and Upper Aljunied Lane on three occasions between October and November 2014.

NEA's investigations revealed that the two offenders had mixed the illegally collected greasy waste with used cooking oil, which they then sold to companies that export used cooking oil for processing into biodiesel.

If convicted, the offenders may be fined up to a maximum of $2,000 on each charge.

NEA says it takes a serious view on the proper collection and disposal of waste from grease traps, and will enforce against any unauthorised waste collectors, and any licensee who violates the conditions of licence or engages in the illegal disposal of waste.

The cleaning of grease traps can only be done by licensed general waste collectors (GWCs). These GWCs use vacuum trucks to collect waste from the grease traps, which are then disposed of at PUB's designated water reclamation plant. At such plants, these greasy waste are digested with used water sludge to form biogas.

Besides investigating reports by the public of companies or individuals illegally collecting waste from grease traps, NEA says it also carries out checks at food shops to ascertain that the ingredients used, including cooking oil, are from approved/licensed sources, and will take action against anyone who flouts the rules.

To date, there have been no reported instances of food shops or food stalls using cooking oil from illegal sources, or what is commonly termed as 'gutter oil'.

Members of the public who come across any information of unauthorised collection of waste from grease traps are requested to note the details of the incident and call NEA's 24 hour Call Centre at 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255-632) or email Contact_NEA@nea.gov.sg.

When reporting, NEA added that people should furnish the date, time and location of the incident as well as any photos and videos that can provide leads for NEA to investigate.

candicec@sph.com.sg