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NEA to provide S$10 million in grants for deep cleaning & renovations of coffeeshop toilets
Clean toilets!
March 04, 2025, 05:08 PM
To promote cleaner public toilets in Singapore, the National Environment Agency (NEA) will provide S$10 million in grants to support the renovation and deep cleaning of coffeeshop toilets.
These grants were announced by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment Baey Yam Keng at the Committee of Supply debates in Parliament on Mar. 4.
The grants will support coffeeshop operators in implementing good toilet designs and will help start the practice of regular deep cleaning so that the public can enjoy cleaner toilets.
10 taskforce recommendations
The grants come after the Public Toilets Taskforce completed its study on finding solutions to improve the cleanliness of public toilets.
10 recommendations were submitted, all of which MSE endorsed. The recommendations are organised around four pillars:
- Design and Infrastructure
- Cleaning and Maintenance with Adoption of Technology
- Monitoring by All Stakeholders, Audit and Enforcement
- Engagement and Outreach
Previously, the taskforce recommended in its Feb. 21 report that the government provide grants to coffeeshop operators to upgrade their toilets and conduct regular deep cleaning.
The Taskforce was co-chaired by Baey and Public Hygiene Council chairman Andrew Khng.
Recommended toilet design features
Among the recommendations is a list of public toilet design features to facilitate toilet cleanliness.
To encourage its adoption, the list will be shared with premises owners and industry players.
The list considers challenges faced by premises owners such as space constraints, incorporates advice from the renovation and interior design industry, and includes feedback from coffeeshop stallholders.
In addition, the Restroom Association (Singapore) (RAS) will develop a new Happy Toilet Programme (HTP) standard for coffeeshops.
In line with the Taskforce's recommendations, the HTP will serve as a benchmark for well-designed and clean coffeeshop toilets.
Toilets that display excellence in design and cleanliness can apply for HTP certification.
S$10 million in grants
As such, NEA will also provide a S$5 million Coffeeshop Toilet Renovation Grant to encourage coffeeshop operators to renovate their toilets and achieve HTP certification.
Operators can apply to NEA for funding of up to 95 per cent of their toilet renovation costs, capped at S$50,000 per coffeeshop.
NEA will also offer a S$5 million Coffeeshop Toilet Deep Cleaning Grant.
Coffeeshop operators can apply to NEA for funding up to 95 per cent of their two-year deep cleaning contract cost, capped at S$25,000 per coffeeshop.
Successful grant applicants will also receive free on-site toilet-cleaning training for their in-house cleaners.
More details on the two grants will be provided later in 2025.
In addition, the Public Hygiene Council will expand its Neighbourhood Toilets Community Group programme to enforce positive toilet hygiene practices among users, premises owners, and operators.
1,300 enforcement actions for public toilet offences
In 2024, NEA and the Singapore Food Agency increased its inspections on public toilet cleanliness and around 1,300 enforcement actions were taken against premises owners/managers.
MSE shared that government agencies will continue to enforce against errant operators that fall short of the minimum standards and requirements for public toilet cleanliness.
"I am heartened that premises have taken action to rectify lapses and encourage them to sustain their efforts to ensure cleaner toilets for all," said Baey.
Top photos via Canva & Public Toilet Taskforce report
