Todayonline Tray Return Automation



Automation could make tray return much more efficient
04:46 AM Dec 13, 2012

From Darren Chong


In the ongoing pilot tray-return initiative, surveys have found that 60 to 70 per cent of patrons are returning their trays.

One of the reasons the numbers are not higher could be that the collection points are cluttered with the trays and crockery.

At Block 726, Clementi West Street 2, I recently observed a cleaner single-handedly manning the collection station, which was just rows of shelves where diners placed their used trays.

They would have to separate the plates, bowls and glasses and move them all to a washing point - such a manual process.

On a recent trip to Europe, I noticed an automated collection station. A conveyor belt smoothly transferred the used crockery and trays to the kitchen or washing area, and a few workers systematically washed the utensils.

Perhaps such a system, funded by the authorities, should be explored in Singapore for the tray-return initiative to be a true success.

Though it would incur fixed initial costs, it would be a worthwhile investment over time and could work out to lower monthly cleaning fees for the hawkers.

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