The National Environment Agency (NEA) will be progressively adding more tray return stations at hawker centres as diners adapt to the new norm of mandatory tray returning.

NEA announced this on Facebook yesterday (June 27), addressing the "isolated incidents" where tray return stations were filled up quickly.

The agency also urged diners to exercise patience as cleaners take time to adjust to a new workflow.

"When you’re out dining, and see that the tray return station nearest to you is full, do look for an alternative one," said NEA.

Diners at hawker centres are now expected to return their trays and crockery after their meals. Come September 1, those who fail to do so will be issued stern warnings and in the case of repeat offenders, a S$300 fine.

Recently, photos of overcrowded tray-return racks were uploaded online.

While these photos were taken way before the new regulation was announced, netizens questioned if our hawker centres are sufficiently equipped to handle cleaning processes.

Last week, NEA announced that it will install 75 more tray return stations at hawker centres in addition to the 900 available now.

Top images via Jane Lim & Amy Khor Facebook.