Affordability of Bulky Waste Disposal Options for Private Estate Households

107 Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) of the average of about 4,500 cases of feedback received per year by NEA for improper disposal of bulky waste, how many are in private estates; (b) whether the Ministry has reviewed the adequacy of affordable bulky-waste disposal options for private estate households; and (c) whether NEA will pilot (i) designated disposal points or (ii) periodic free collection for private estates.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Improper disposal of bulky waste in private estates constitutes about 45%, or about 2,000, of the 4,500 cases of feedback received by the National Environment Agency (NEA).

Residents staying in private estates may contact the appointed Public Waste Collector (PWC) or a licensed General Waste Collector (GWC) for the removal of their bulky items at a fee. Bulky waste removal services are separate from public waste collection contracts, as demand is sporadic and it is more equitable to charge based on usage. This is consistent with the practice in the Housing and Development Board estates, where Town Councils separately contract appointed PWCs or GWCs to offer bulky item collection services to their residents.

NEA will continue to monitor feedback on improper bulky waste disposal and explore further measures as needed.