Why Your Bulky Item Wasn’t Collected – Even Though It Was ‘Free’

lisa A
Jul 4
2 min read

Updated: Jul 10

So, you booked a free bulky item removal from your Town Council… and nothing happened. Or worse, they came—but left your junk behind. You're not alone. Many HDB residents face this frustrating scenario every month, and unfortunately, they often learn too late that Town Council collection services come with strict conditions.

🪑 Old junk lying around?

WhatsApp Junk Value at +65 9145 9514 to book and get $10 off your pickup!👉 https://bit.ly/44F4CBU

Why Your Bulky Item Wasn't Collected And What Town Councils Actually Collect.

Each Town Council in Singapore offers some form of complimentary bulky item removal service for residents, but these services are limited in scope. Here's what most residents don't realise:

You must submit a formal request in advance.
Most Town Councils limit collections to three bulky items per household per month.
Certain items are automatically disqualified due to size, safety, or non-residential use.
Collections are only scheduled on specific days of the week, which vary by town.

These restrictions catch many residents off guard. And if you're clearing out your flat for renovation, moving, or upsizing, chances are your junk pile is too large to qualify.

Common Items They Won’t Touch:

King-sized beds or large bedframes
Extra-large wardrobes
Built-in furniture (cabinets, shelves)
Exercise equipment
Pianos or oversized instruments
Renovation debris (flooring, drywall)
Large appliances like American-style fridges

Even if some items look simple enough, size and weight restrictions prevent workers from safely removing them without risk of injury or damage to common property.

Common Complaints from HDB Residents

Residents often share these frustrations:

"I moved everything downstairs, but they didn’t take half of it."

"No one told me I had to book it online. I thought it was automatic."

"The items were too big—they said it was against policy."

"It’s been sitting at the void deck for days. Now NEA is warning me."

Many people find out the hard way that free doesn’t always mean complete—and definitely doesn’t mean flexible.

NEA Enforcement: Fines and Warnings

If your item is not collected and left behind, it becomes your responsibility. Illegal dumping at void decks can result in NEA fines up to $2,000, especially if the item blocks access ways or becomes a safety hazard.

CCTV cameras and resident complaints can trigger investigations. Even a misunderstanding can lead to a warning letter or fine.

🪑 Old junk lying around?

WhatsApp Junk Value at +65 9145 9514 to book and get $10 off your pickup!👉 https://bit.ly/44F4CBU

What You Can Do Instead

When the Town Council says no—or skips your collection—you still have options. Junk Value provides legal, reliable bulky item removal service for HDB residents across Singapore.