Soiled diapers, used menstrual pads found at Yishun block, NEA investigating

Over the past few months, A (not her real name) has seen an assortment of  stomach-churning litter strewn at the base of an Yishun HDB flat.

They include faeces-streaked toilet paper, soiled diapers, and even used menstrual pads.

They appear to have been thrown out of the window of one of the flats.

A, who resides nearby, told Mothership that she first spotted the litter while walking her dog on Oct. 2, 2024.

It was "a diaper and other turds", she said. "Of course, I was extremely disgusted and grossed out."

The area in question is Block 245 Yishun Avenue 9.

"I've lived in this area for my whole life — 22 years! Before that there were no such issues," she explained.

Now, she sees the litter around twice a week.

Made reports

On several occasions, A reported the issue via the OneService app, and even wrote to her MP.

But the litter persisted.

When it wasn't immediately cleaned up, it would leave a stench in the air and attract cockroaches and flies, she said.

The area also has high footfall and is located near a traffic light and bus stop.

As such, it poses a hygiene and safety risk to elderly residents and young children.

They may not be looking at the ground and accidentally step in the waste, or even slip and fall, she said.

The cleaners in the area are also forced to clean the waste repeatedly.

NEA and Town Council's response

In response to Mothership's queries, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said it is aware of the issue.

It deployed cameras in January 2025 and detected littering acts from one of the units.

The flat owner has been served a notice and investigations are ongoing, it said.

"NEA is investigating the latest feedback and will take enforcement action against any identified offenders."

A spokesperson from the Nee Soon Town Council said it is similarly aware of the incidents.

It has issued advisory notes to flats and intensified cleaning efforts in the interim.

"Our sweeper currently cleans in the morning and afternoon, and we will be increasing the frequency by adding an additional round of cleaning in the evening," the spokesperson added.

When Mothership went down to the site on Jul. 12, the ground appeared clear of litter.

Littering is illegal in Singapore.

Offenders caught littering may be fined up to S$2,000 for a first conviction, S$4,000 for a second conviction, and S$10,000 for third and subsequent convictions.

The court may also impose a Corrective Work Order and require offenders to clean public areas for up to 12 hours.

Top image from A