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Refuse collection fees for households will go up from January 2022.

This is the first time fees will increase since 2017, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Nov. 30.

The increase is to keep up with the operational and manpower costs of providing household refuse and recyclables collection services.

How much more?

From Jan. 1, 2022, HDB flat households will pay S$9.63 per month, up by S$1.38, for refuse collection fees.

This is the same amount private apartments that have not opted out of the public waste collection scheme will pay.

Those living in landed premises will pay S$32.07, which is S$4.60 more.

In 2017, the monthly fees increased from S$7.49 to S$8.25 for HDB households and private property households that have not opted out of the public waste collection scheme.

Those living in landed homes saw the fees go up from S$24.81 to S$27.47.

Rebates can be used to offset increase

Households can use the Goods and Services (GST) Voucher – U-Save rebates to offset the refuse collection fees.

The scheme helps eligible HDB households with their utility expenses.

The next tranche of the U-Save rebates will be disbursed in January 2022.

Those facing financial difficulties can also approach their nearest social service office for assistance, NEA said.

How refuse collection fee is determined

The refuse collection fee for each of the housing type is derived by considering the weighted average charges of the Public Waste Collectors (PWCs), as well as changes arising from contractual adjustments, NEA said.

Over the years both charges and costs have been rising.

NEA added that it is not sustainable to just continue increasing manpower to meet the rising demand for waste collection services, with refuse collection being traditionally labour-intensive.

The sector is being transformed to increase efficiency, promote growth and create better jobs in the industry, NEA added.

"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."

Top photo via Wikimedia Commons (kcdtsg)

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