The Community Volunteer (CV) Programme was launched in 2013 to encourage greater community ownership and leverage social pressure for greater deterrence against litter bugs. The programme was previously only open to members of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and public officers.

As members of the public and CVs have expressed interest in playing a more active role in keeping our environment clean, and educating beyond littering issues respectively, NEA had amended the legislation on 1 March 2016 to allow individuals to join the CV programme without having to be affiliated with any recognised environmental group. These CVs will be empowered to engage offenders for a wider range of offences which include:

1. Littering in public areas;
2. Pet defecation in public places;
3. Smoking in prohibited areas;
4. Spitting in public places;
5. Urinating in public places;
6. Smoky vehicles; and
7. Leaving the engine of a stationary vehicle running

CVs can choose to focus on educating offenders in taking ownership of the environment, supporting research in specialised areas of work or participating in public outreach and educational activities.

All CVs are required to adopt a ‘Bright Spot’ or any area of their preferred choice and maintain the cleanliness of the area. Monthly activities are required to be carried out at the adopted areas by CVs.

To help CVs perform this role effectively, CVs will undergo a comprehensive training and assessment before they are issued with an authority card that empowers you to enforce (i.e. request for particulars) against any non-compliant environmental offenders. Offender’s particulars would be submitted to NEA for NEA’s consideration to follow through with the enforcement action.    

Criteria

• Minimum 18 years old and above
• Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Physically and mentally fit
• No prior criminal record
• No previous offence under NEA’s jurisdiction
• Mature, responsible and committed
• Passionate about keeping the environment clean and green

If you are interested in joining the programme, please fill in the registration forms and provide 2 character referees as reference. Kindly send the completed forms to NEA at community_volunteers@nea.gov.sg. Thank you.