Appropriate Disposal of Renovation Debris and Bulky Items at HDB Estates

Mr Zaqy Mohamad asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry will strengthen measures to ensure that contractors with renovation permits from HDB adhere to regulations on the appropriate disposal of renovation debris and bulky items; (b) what enforcement measures and resources are deployed in new BTO estates to ensure compliance with such regulations; and (c) what measures will be taken against contractors who are caught illegally dumping such debris.

Town Councils have the statutory responsibilities to manage and maintain the common properties in Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates, which include the regulation of proper disposal of renovation debris and bulky items. TCs may impose penalties if any parties are found to have contravened the respective Town Council's by-laws.

HDB requires renovation contractors to register with HDB before they are allowed to carry out the works. The terms of the registration include the proper disposal of debris. At newly completed Build-To-Order (BTO) projects, HDB carries out site inspections to ensure the proper disposal of debris by renovation contractors. HDB will also inform the residents engaging these errant renovation contractors to remind their contractors to stop any indiscriminate dumping. Notices will also be placed at the lift lobbies to remind other residents. Members of the public who come across improper disposal by a renovation contractor should report the matter to the respective HDB branch. Contractors who are found to have improperly disposed of renovation debris and damaged the common properties can be fined up to $3,000 or debarred for a period of up to three years.

Beyond enforcement, we also encourage Town Councils to consider providing haulage and debris removal services, or skip tanks for proper disposal, especially during the first few months of newly completed BTO precincts. Such measures have been found to be effective and have reduced the costs for cleaning up and repair of damages to property.