Debated in Parliament on 13 Nov 2024.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for National Development (a) which HDB estates currently have a Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System (PWCS) installed; (b) what is the breakdown of each system’s monthly operational costs per dwelling unit, including maintenance and electricity; (c) how do the monetised cost savings compare quantitatively to traditional waste disposal methods; (d) who benefits directly from these savings; (e) who bears the operational costs of the system; and (f) whether there is an evaluation process in place for assessing PWCS’ cost savings and return on investment.
The Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System (PWCS) is an automated waste collection system that uses high-speed suction via an underground pipe network to collect household waste. About 40 Housing and Development Board (HDB) precincts in Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Batok, Chua Chu Kang, Jurong East, Punggol, Sengkang, Tampines, Tengah, Toa Payoh, Woodlands and Yishun have been installed with PWCS.
Compared to conventional waste collection methods, the costs of building, operating and maintaining PWCS is higher. The operating cost breakdown varies depending on system specifications and localised factors. The current higher costs with using PWCS is primarily borne by (a) the Government, for infrastructure and system deployment; and (b) the Town Councils for operations and maintenance. Furthermore, each set of PWCS infrastructure and system is typically built to serve a few precincts. In areas that are still being progressively built up, the cost per dwelling unit incurred by HDB and the Town Councils will be higher at the start but should gradually decline as more dwelling units are added to reap economies of scale. In recognition of the higher costs incurred by Town Councils with PWCS precincts, HDB currently provides them with a grant, at $2 per month per dwelling unit served by the PWCS.
The Member asked who benefits from the savings from the adoption of PWCS.
First and foremost, residents benefit. PWCS enables a cleaner and more efficient waste collection process, compared to conventional methods. As the waste is conveyed through sealed pipes from throw-points to a bin centre, the PWCS reduces disamenities to residents, such as pest infestation, odours and exposed waste. Furthermore, space required under conventional methods, such as service roads and localised bin centres, are freed up for other amenities, such as bigger playgrounds or fitness areas.
Second, the PWCS is also designed to be more manpower-efficient than conventional methods in the long run. Instead of collecting waste from each block and each chute under the conventional method, PWCS waste from a few precincts only needs to be collected from one single centralised location.
The Government regularly reviews the implementation of the PWCS and will continue to support the Town Councils where needed, especially those adopting PWCS for the first time in their towns.
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