Singapore Cleanliness Rules: A Comfort Guide To Littering & Toilets

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You’ve probably heard the stories about Singapore’s famously strict rules, and maybe you’re a little nervous. It’s a common feeling. Many travelers worry, “Will I get fined for accidentally dropping a wrapper?” or “Is it true I can be fined just for forgetting to flush?”

We’re here to put your mind at ease. These rules aren’t traps designed to catch tourists. They are the simple, shared habits that create the incredible public comfort you’ve come to enjoy—like being able to sit on any park bench without a second thought.

Think of this as your “comfort guide.” While some rules are common sense, the real-world scenarios (like an accidental drop or a full bin) are what cause anxiety. We’re here to walk you through those specific situations for littering and public toilets, swapping that worry for confidence so you can relax and enjoy your trip.

Woman Throwing Plastic Bottle In Garbage Can

The Big One: Littering (and How to Easily Avoid It)

When we think of littering, we usually picture dropping a food wrapper or a drink cup. In Singapore, the definition is a bit broader and includes small items like tissue paper and cigarette butts.

It also includes spitting, which is treated as a serious offense for public health reasons. The rule here is simple and absolute: just don’t. This includes spitting on the pavement, into a drain, or onto the grass.

But the law also covers situations you might not expect. Here are a few scenarios to be mindful of for a stress-free trip:

The “Accidental Drop” Scenario: This is a common worry. What if a candy wrapper or a receipt falls out of your pocket by accident? Technically, this is still considered littering. The expectation is one of personal responsibility—you’re expected to notice and pick it up. This is less about punishing tourists and more about fostering a shared sense of mindfulness.
The “Improper Disposal” Scenario: You find a public bin that’s already full. You neatly place your trash bag or drink cup next to the bin, thinking you’re being tidy. This is still considered a littering offense. The law requires you to dispose of your trash inside a proper bin, so you’ll need to hold on to it until you find the next one.
The “Natural Waste” Scenario: You’re relaxing in a park and enjoying some peanuts or pistachio nuts. Leaving the shells under the bench or on the grass is also considered littering. The rule is to leave no trace, so all waste (even natural shells) must go in a bin.

Let’s talk about the fines. Yes, they are high. For a first-time offense, you can face a “composition sum” (an on-the-spot fine) of SGD$300. Repeat offenders can even be given a “Corrective Work Order” (CWO)—and yes, this applies to tourists as well—requiring them to clean a public place while wearing a bright vest—a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility.

You don’t need to worry, as it is incredibly easy to find a bin. You will always find them readily available at bus stops, malls, MRT stations, and parks. You’re almost always just a few steps away from one.

Public Toilets: The Unspoken Rules for Comfort & Courtesy

First, the good news. Public toilets in Singapore are often a huge comfort, especially when you’re out exploring all day. In most shopping malls (like the ones lining Orchard Road) and hotels, you’ll find they are exceptionally clean and well-maintained.

The Famous Flushing Law

You may have heard it’s an offense not to flush a public toilet after using it. This is true.

While you might not see uniformed “toilet police,” this law is enforced. Don’t be surprised to see plainclothes officers from the National Environment Agency (NEA) conducting routine checks, especially in busy public places like hawker centres.

Forgetting to flush isn’t just impolite; it’s considered a public health hazard in such a dense city. It’s a simple act of courtesy that keeps the space comfortable for the next person, and failing to do so can result in an on-the-spot fine of SGD$150.

Our Hyper-Specific Toilet Paper Tip

Here’s a little tip we’ve learned:

In most shopping malls and hotels, you’ll find toilet paper inside the cubicle, just as you’d expect.
However, in some food courts (hawker centres) or older buildings, the toilet paper dispenser is at the main entrance by the sinks. We recommend grabbing what you need before you go into the cubicle.

Finally, it’s expected to just keep the space tidy. This means not squatting on the toilet seats (if there are footprints, it’s a sign this has been an issue) or leaving water all over the floor.

A Serious Warning on Public Urination

This brings us to a very serious point, and it’s one we want to be crystal clear about, especially for visitors enjoying Singapore’s nightlife.

We’ve all seen stories of people getting drunk in a new city and doing “funny things” like urinating in public. In Singapore, this is not a funny story or a minor offense. It is a major public order offense with severe consequences.

Singaporean authorities do not take this lightly, and being intoxicated is not an excuse. This isn’t just about tidiness; it’s seen as a deep sign of disrespect for public spaces and the people who share them. The fine can go up to SGD$1,000.

To understand how seriously this is taken: in the past, many public elevators (“lifts”) were famously fitted with Urine Detection Devices (UDDs). These high-tech systems could detect the scent of urine, lock the lift doors, and sound an alarm until the police arrived.

Our advice here is simple: please do not be playful with this rule. It’s a non-negotiable part of what keeps the city so comfortable and clean for everyone.

Public Trash Cans Waste Sorting Singapore Gardens by the Bay

A Final Reassurance for Your Trip

As you can see, these rules aren’t scary. They’re just simple, mindful habits that all add up to create the wonderfully clean and comfortable Singapore that visitors, including us, love.

Our final advice is not to be paranoid, just be aware. By being a little mindful, you’ll blend right in and enjoy a completely stress-free visit.

Knowing these cleanliness rules is a great start. This article focuses on littering and public toilets, but for a comfortable trip, you’ll also want to know the specific rules for [eating and drinking on the MRT] and the famous laws on chewing gum. For a complete overview of all important laws, including those on alcohol and smoking, check out our primary Singapore Laws for Tourists hub.

Putting Your Mind at Ease

For a first-time offense, it can be a fine (composition sum) of SGD$300. Subsequent offenses are much higher and can even result in a Corrective Work Order.

This is a very common worry. The laws are generally enforced with common sense and are aimed at those who are deliberately littering, not those who make an honest mistake and pick it up. It’s all about being mindful, not perfect.

It’s taken very seriously for public health reasons and is treated the same as littering, with fines starting at SGD$300. The simple solution is to always use a tissue and dispose of it in a bin.

Yes. While it’s primarily about social courtesy, plainclothes officers can and do issue on-the-spot fines, typically starting at SGD$150, for failing to flush.

As a general rule, we find the most comfortable and cleanest public toilets are inside major shopping malls, hotels, and tourist attractions like Gardens by the Bay.

Yes, we highly recommend this! It’s a great practical tip. While toilets in major malls and hotels are well-stocked, some at older food centres might have the dispenser by the entrance (or run out). Having a small pack of tissues ensures you’re always prepared.

This is a very common question, as the rules are often misunderstood. While a small amount for personal use isn’t illegal, we advise against it to avoid any hassle. We cover this topic in detail in our [full guide to Singapore’s chewing gum rules].