Provision of Common Public Waste Collection Points in Future Urban Planning

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry can consider providing common public waste collection points in future urban planning instead of the present collection of single waste bins from individual houses at landed properties.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The present system of refuse bins placed outside individual homes is a practical method of waste collection. It is convenient for residents and does not require land to be set aside for centralised collection points.

As for local dis-amenities which may arise from this system, the National Environment Agency’s licensing framework for waste collectors contains regulations, such as on collection timings, which minimise disruption to residents and ensure a satisfactory standard of waste collection.

However, some precincts have unique characteristics which may favour centralised waste collection. If there is strong interest from local residents for common waste collection points to be provided there, we are prepared to consider the proposal.