Household refuse collection fees to go up from Jan 1; first increase since 2017

SINGAPORE: Refuse collection fees for households are set to increase for the first time since 2017 firstly of subsequent yr, the National Environment Agency (NEA) mentioned on Tuesday (Nov 30).This is to preserve up with the operational and manpower prices of offering family refuse and recyclables collection providers, the company mentioned in a media launch.From Jan 1, refuse collection fees for households dwelling in HDB flats and personal residences that haven't opted out of the general public waste collection scheme will rise to S$9.63 per thirty days - an increase of S$1.38.Those dwelling in landed premises pays S$32.07, or S$4.60 more.The refuse collection charge for every of the housing kind is derived by contemplating the weighted common of the Public Waste Collectors’ (PWCs) fees, in addition to adjustments arising from contractual changes, NEA mentioned.“Over the past few years, average PWCs’ charges have increased in tandem with rising operational and manpower costs,” the company added.But as refuse collection is historically labour-intensive and the demand for waste collection providers is rising, it isn't sustainable to proceed rising manpower to meet the service demand, mentioned NEA.There is subsequently a necessity to rework the sector to increase effectivity, promote progress and create higher jobs within the business."Reducing the need for more manpower and other resources helps to manage costs," it added."As part of our efforts to uplift and transform the waste management industry, NEA works with PWCs to adopt innovative solutions and technologies to improve productivity and efficiency."