SINGAPORE - Used cooking oil collectors can apply for a General Waste Collector licence from Dec 1 onwards, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a statement on Wednesday (Nov 30).

To stay in business, they must have a licence by June 1, 2017.

NEA said that the licensing scheme would ensure that proper waste collection standards, including waste storage and transport standards, are met.

According to the NEA, there are an estimated 50-odd used cooking oil collectors in Singapore, who collect used oil from food establishments to be processed locally or converted into biofuel and other products.

The licence, which is valid for one year, carries a $175 fee.

Unlicensed collectors of used cooking oil, or food retailers and food manufacturers who do business with unlicensed collectors, face a fine of up to $10,000.