Whether it’s cigarettes or vapes, one thing’s for sure, our town is better off without them.

While vaping may seem trendy or harmless, it’s actually illegal in Singapore and filled with harmful chemicals that can hurt your lungs and heart. What’s worse, discarded vape pods and cartridges are now showing up in our estates, adding to the litter our cleaners work tirelessly to clear every morning. Many of these pods still contain traces of nicotine and battery components, making them a hazardous waste item that cannot be easily disposed of or recycled.

At Ang Mo Kio Town Council, in just a few blocks, hundreds of cigarette butts can accumulate every week, in drains, planters, and even car park corners. These small pieces of litter may seem insignificant, but they wash into our drainage system, pollute waterways, and add to the cleaning load. When discarded while still smouldering, they can even spark small fires, especially in dry areas such as rubbish bins or grass patches.

Our cleaners work hard every day to keep our neighbourhoods clean and safe. Yet their efforts can only go so far if littering continues. It’s important to remember that littering, including throwing cigarette butts or vaping devices on the ground, is a fineable offence under the Singapore law. But more than that, it is a sign of how we treat the shared spaces we all call home. Keeping our estate clean is not just about following rules, it is about showing respect for our neighbours, our environment, and the people who work tirelessly to maintain it.

💡 Did You Know?

• Vaping is illegal in Singapore under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act
• Cigarette butts take up to 10 years to decompose.
• Improper disposal of cigarette butts can result in a fine of up to $2,000 for a first-time offender.
• Each small act of responsibility helps our cleaners focus on beautifying our town, not just cleaning up after us.

A cleaner, safer town starts with all of us. When we take small steps together by keeping our surroundings litter-free, quitting harmful habits, and looking out for one another. Together, we can keep Ang Mo Kio a pleasant and welcoming home for everyone.

💚 A little care goes a long way. For our town, our neighbours, and ourselves.

Let’s Keep Ang Mo Kio Clean and Safe for Everyone!