Proposal to Include Proper Refuse Disposal Clause in HDB Lease Agreements and Renovation Permits

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry can consider the insertion of a clause in the HDB lease agreement/renovation permit that “all domestic refuse must be disposed of via the bin chute (be it within the flat or at the common bin chute provided) and that sealing up of the bin chute within a flat/erection of any fixtures and fittings which obstructs the use of the bin chute within a flat is strictly disallowed”.

All HDB flats are provided with refuse chutes, either located within the units or at the common area, for use by residents to dispose of household or domestic waste. These refuse chutes should be left unsealed.

However, there are instances where residents dispose of their domestic waste at bins placed at the void decks of the blocks, or even outside of the bins, instead of using the refuse chutes. This could cause inconvenience and nuisance to others.

As such behaviour appears to be limited to a small group, MND prefers to work with Town Councils to educate residents on the proper use of bin chutes, rather than insert a clause in the HDB lease agreement or renovation permit that all domestic refuse must be disposed of via the bin chute, and to prohibit the sealing of the bin chute. Nonetheless, we are prepared to consider stronger measures if public education proves insufficient.