Where to Burn Joss Paper in Singapore: A Practical 7th Month Guide

🔥 Why Burn Joss Paper?

To provide spiritual currency and comfort to ancestors and spirits

To honor tradition, remain filial, and avoid misfortune

Traditionally burned during the 1st, 15th, and 30th day of Ghost Month (e.g. 23 Aug, 6 Sep, 21 Sep in 2025)

🏢 Where You Can Burn Joss Paper in Singapore

Designated Burners in HDB Estates

Most Town Councils provide metal bins or wire cages at void decks or open spaces. These are perfectly safe, and burning offerings here is permitted and encouraged.

Example: Metal container bins near the rubbish chute area or beside the block footpath.

Temple Burners

Many temples (e.g. Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho, Loyang Tua Pek Kong) offer large burners in their compound.

These are alternate locations when your estate bin is full or unavailable.
Pros: Usually better ventilation and less fumes in residential zones.

Reserve Props for Each Site

Occasionally, Residents’ Committees may set up portable burners near communal BBQ pits or fields where space is available and safe.

❌ Where You Cannot Burn—Same Rules Every Year

Do not burn joss paper in corridors, stairwells, lift lobbies, grass patches, driveways, or near parked vehicles

Do not scatter paper offerings in the air or around the environment — it’s discouraged by NEA, Town Councils, and the Alliance for Action (AfA)

🧾 NEA Guidelines

The National Environment Agency (NEA) recommends to:

Burn only in designated burners, not on the ground or grassy areas.
Burn in moderation—small quantities minimize smoke and ash.
Avoid oversized offerings (e.g. > 55 cm boxes) if they may not fit in the bin safely.
Clean up afterwards—remove leftover food, packaging, and filter embers. Ensure no smoldering remains.
Be considerate of neighbours—choose time windows when smoke won’t drift into homes; after burning, clean the altar area.

These guidelines are part of the Alliance for Action (AfA) campaign—a collaboration between NEA, Town Councils, religious federations, and cultural bodies to promote respectful burning customs in multicultural Singapore.

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👥 Etiquette & Community Considerations

Burst offerings—and leave quietly. Don’t linger or block pathways.

Maintain respectful silence or hum quietly while burning, especially during community events.

If bin is full, wait your turn—don’t burn near busy footpaths.

Avoid burning fresh greenery, plastic, or laminated paper—only offer approved joss materials.

Always extinguish embers completely before leaving. Safety first.

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⚠️ If Your Usual Burner Is Full or Unavailable

Try these backup options:

Visit a nearby temple with open burners. Many are within a short walk.
Ask your Residents’ Committee if pop-up burners have been set up in other blocks or temporary locations.
Burn earlier in the evening when bins have not yet overflowed.
If you can’t burn at all, consider visiting a temple that offers communal burning or turn your offerings into donations of food or money for merit instead.

Summary and More

The Hungry Ghost Festival is about honoring spirits, but also about being considerate. By following these guidelines, you show respect not only to the unseen, but also to your neighbours and your environment. When we burn sincerely—and responsibly—we ensure the tradition remains meaningful and sustainable in modern Singapore.

🔗 Want More?

For a full guide on dates, what to burn, and taboos, check our comprehensive 2025 Hungry Ghost Festival Article.
🎭 Curious about the loud shows in your neighbourhood? Read our Getai Guide: What It Is and Why It Still Matters
🚫 Unsure what to avoid this 7th Month? See our list of 13 Superstitions Singaporeans Still Follow