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Consider automated tray-return system

The Government should fully fund an automation project if the tray-return initiative is to be more successful. -TNP
Darren Chong

Sat, Dec 15, 2012
The New Paper

SINGAPORE - The recent pilot project to get hawker-centre customers to return their trays was only a partial success, with reportedly a maximum of 80 per cent doing so.

One reason that more people did not return their trays could be that the collection station was already full and cluttered with used trays and crockery.

On a recent trip to Europe, I noticed an automated collection station. Diners placed their used crockery and trays on a kind of conveyor belt.

This transferred the items smoothly to the washing area where a few he workers quickly cleaned them. Perhaps Singapore should also try such a system.

A few weekends ago, I observed at Clementi that a single elderly cleaner was handling the trays and crockery at the collection point.

He had to separate the plates and bowls from the cups and cutlery and take them all to the washing point.

This process should be speeded up, especially during peak hours.

The Government should fully fund an automation project if the tray-return initiative is to be more successful.

The initial cost will be fully worth it for the efficiency we can have in the long run.