Action Plans and Roadmaps

The government has set strategies to reduce the generation of solid waste nationwide through two action plans: waste minimisation through 3-R (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) and targeting of a 15% waste recycling rate by 2020 (Energy and Industry Department, 2017) and 30% by 2035 (Akenji et al., 2019).

The 3-R is taking place, particularly amongst the younger generation. The Recycle 123 Handbook, using captivating graphics and a ‘did-you-know’ style of delivering content, targets the youth. In 2009, the Brunei Environment Youth Envoy (EYE) was established under the guidance of the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation. It aims to:

  1. nurture and build a network to foster environmental awareness and action amongst youth at the national and regional levels,

  2. collaborate and cooperate on environmental sustainability projects, and

  3. enhance environmental knowledge and build capacity to share and impart it to the youth (Lands Department, n.d.).

The Brunei EYE has successfully carried out 3-R awareness programmes in five primary schools in Kampong Ayer, a water village on the Brunei River, and two inland primary schools (Brunei Darussalam, 2013). The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation supports several secondary schools through its eco-clubs, which are run by students and guided by teachers to encourage them to be involved in environmental projects and activities such as beach clean-up.

The recycling rate target of 15% by 2027 and 30% by 2035 shall be achieved through waste-reduction efforts, including campaigns to transition to reusable bags, the ‘No Plastic Bag Every Day’ initiative, and reduction of Styrofoam containers use; installation of recycling bins for paper, plastics, and metals in waste collection centres in the Brunei Muara District and in other schools and universities; and composting initiatives for green wastes (Brunei Darussalam, 2013).

A related action plan was formulated based on the Tenth National Development Plan (2012–2017): the second 5-year plan under the Brunei Darussalam Long-Term Development Plan (2007–2035). The plan enhances the provision of a healthy and clean environment, including efficient use of national resources, provision and enforcement of legislation, effective solid waste management, and harmonisation of national commitments and international best practices (Department of Economic Planning and Development, 2012).

In 2021, efforts to enhance plastic management was reinforced through the launching of the Green Protocol by the Brunei Darussalam National Council on Climate Change. The protocol covers a set of guidelines in seven areas, including plastic usage and solid waste disposal, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from public service premises in the country. The recommended practices are as follows (Brunei Darussalam National Council on Climate Change, 2021):

Table 1. Guidelines regarding plastic management under Brunei Darussalam’s Green Protocol

Area of Guideline

Recommended Practices

Plastic Usage

  1. Prohibiting the use of plastic bottles in government premises;

  2. Encouraging civil servants are urged to use reusable bottles and food containers;

  3. Encouraging government premises are encouraged to provide water dispensers;

  4. Disallowing the usage of plastic bags, cutleries and drinking straws;

  5. Water served during meetings must be provided through water dispensers;

  6. Restricting food covers must be either reusable or made from biodegradable materials;

  7. Food sold at government premises must be packed using biodegradable containers;

  8. Requiring waste plastic bags must also be biodegradable;

  9. Requiring the segregation of Plastic waste must be separated for recycling.

Solid Waste Disposal

  1. Providing recycling bins in public service premises to encourage 3-R and the segregation of recyclable waste;

  2. Disposing electronic waste (e.g., batteries, computers) in designated bins;

  3. Including recycling in the office cleaning contract.

Updated as of 10 January 2025.

Action Plans and Roadmaps

The government has set strategies to reduce the generation of solid waste nationwide through two action plans: waste minimisation through 3-R (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) and targeting of a 15% waste recycling rate by 2020 (Energy and Industry Department, 2017) and 30% by 2035 (Akenji et al., 2019).

The 3-R is taking place, particularly amongst the younger generation. The Recycle 123 Handbook, using captivating graphics and a ‘did-you-know’ style of delivering content, targets the youth. In 2009, the Brunei Environment Youth Envoy (EYE) was established under the guidance of the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation. It aims to:

  1. nurture and build a network to foster environmental awareness and action amongst youth at the national and regional levels,

  2. collaborate and cooperate on environmental sustainability projects, and

  3. enhance environmental knowledge and build capacity to share and impart it to the youth (Lands Department, n.d.).

The Brunei EYE has successfully carried out 3-R awareness programmes in five primary schools in Kampong Ayer, a water village on the Brunei River, and two inland primary schools (Brunei Darussalam, 2013). The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation supports several secondary schools through its eco-clubs, which are run by students and guided by teachers to encourage them to be involved in environmental projects and activities such as beach clean-up.

The recycling rate target of 15% by 2027 and 30% by 2035 shall be achieved through waste-reduction efforts, including campaigns to transition to reusable bags, the ‘No Plastic Bag Every Day’ initiative, and reduction of Styrofoam containers use; installation of recycling bins for paper, plastics, and metals in waste collection centres in the Brunei Muara District and in other schools and universities; and composting initiatives for green wastes (Brunei Darussalam, 2013).

A related action plan was formulated based on the Tenth National Development Plan (2012–2017): the second 5-year plan under the Brunei Darussalam Long-Term Development Plan (2007–2035). The plan enhances the provision of a healthy and clean environment, including efficient use of national resources, provision and enforcement of legislation, effective solid waste management, and harmonisation of national commitments and international best practices (Department of Economic Planning and Development, 2012).

In 2021, efforts to enhance plastic management was reinforced through the launching of the Green Protocol by the Brunei Darussalam National Council on Climate Change. The protocol covers a set of guidelines in seven areas, including plastic usage and solid waste disposal, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from public service premises in the country. The recommended practices are as follows (Brunei Darussalam National Council on Climate Change, 2021):

Table 1. Guidelines regarding plastic management under Brunei Darussalam’s Green Protocol

Area of Guideline

Recommended Practices

Plastic Usage

  1. Prohibiting the use of plastic bottles in government premises;

  2. Encouraging civil servants are urged to use reusable bottles and food containers;

  3. Encouraging government premises are encouraged to provide water dispensers;

  4. Disallowing the usage of plastic bags, cutleries and drinking straws;

  5. Water served during meetings must be provided through water dispensers;

  6. Restricting food covers must be either reusable or made from biodegradable materials;

  7. Food sold at government premises must be packed using biodegradable containers;

  8. Requiring waste plastic bags must also be biodegradable;

  9. Requiring the segregation of Plastic waste must be separated for recycling.

Solid Waste Disposal

  1. Providing recycling bins in public service premises to encourage 3-R and the segregation of recyclable waste;

  2. Disposing electronic waste (e.g., batteries, computers) in designated bins;

  3. Including recycling in the office cleaning contract.

Updated as of 10 January 2025.