Technology helps to lower waste-collection fee hikes [News]

Technology helps to lower waste-collection fee hikes By Joanne Chan, Channel NewsAsia, 1 Jun 2012. Waste management companies said an increase in refuse collection fees is unavoidable, due to rising operating costs. However, they said that productivity and technology gains have helped to moderate fee hikes. They are also promising better service standards. The National Environment Agency had announced on Tuesday that waste collection fees for households in Pasir Ris, Tampines and Bedok will go up from July, and other estates may follow suit. The agency said that it is working with the industry to manage fee increases by improving productivity and helping companies reap economies of scale. Public waste collector Veolia, which is the public waste collector for households in Pasir Ris, Tampines and Bedok, started using trash compactors, known as Minimatics, in HDB estates last year. Read more Source: Channel NewsAsia