Background

Advanced Recycling System for a High-Density Public Housing Estate

Sky Terrace @ Dawson is a 43-storey, six-block public housing development in Singapore that is known for its award-winning “housing-in-the-park” concept.

To meet up with its status as a sustainable high-rise housing, and to cope with the demands of the residents, Greenwave Solutions (GWS) implemented an advanced recyclables chute storage and collection system tailored to this high-density development

  • Six towers of 43 storeys each required a system capable of managing large volumes of recyclables efficiently.

  • The solution needed to align with the estate’s award-winning design philosophy by reducing collection frequency and supporting greener living.

Implementation Approach

Greenwave Solutions (GWS) implemented an advanced recyclables chute storage and collection system tailored to this high-density development.

The solution involved utilizing expanded space within the recyclables chute at three intermediate levels per block, effectively turning sections of the vertical chute into storage chambers. These integrated chute chambers provide a combined on-chute storage capacity of approximately 5 cubic meters for recyclable waste.

In addition, GWS installed a proprietary breakfall mechanism inside the chute system to cushion the fall of materials from upper floors.

This feature minimizes the impact force of falling recyclables, reducing wear on the equipment, thereby improving safety and bringing a quieter environment for residents.

The recyclables chute in each block was engineered with bulged storage sections at three designated levels, creating intermediate holding chambers for recyclable material without requiring additional floor space on the ground level. These chambers allow recyclables to accumulate up to a volume of roughly 5 cubic meters before needing extraction.

When the stored recyclables reach capacity, a controlled discharge system is used to empty the chute chamber safely into collection bins, streamlining the removal process. Concurrently, noise-attenuating features were integrated, with the proprietary breakfall device placed within the chute.

“By integrating expanded in-chute storage and noise-dampening features directly into the building, we not only increased the waste-handling capacity but also upheld the estate’s green vision.”

In summary

Highlights

Integrated In-Chute Storage Systems.

  • Storage chambers are built at three levels per block.

  • Enables ~5 cubic metres of recyclables storage capacity per chute

  • Allows 24/7 disposal without overwhelming the collection chamber

Reduced Collection Frequency

  • Increased capacity means less frequent truck collection.

  • Supports the estate’s eco-conscious, low-carbon design.

Resident-centric Design.

  • Designed with close-proximity residents in mind.

  • Enhances daily livability through noise attenuation and smoother operation.

  • GWS’s proprietary breakfall device cushions falling recyclables.

  • Quiet, odour-controlled system maintains cleanliness and comfort in common areas.

In summary

Highlights

Integrated In-Chute Storage Systems.

  • Storage chambers are built at three levels per block.

  • Allows 24/7 disposal without overwhelming the collection chamber

  • Enables ~5 cubic metres of recyclables storage capacity per chute

Reduced Collection Frequency

  • Increased capacity means less frequent truck collection.

  • Supports the estate’s eco-conscious, low-carbon design.

Resident-centric Design.

  • Designed with close-proximity residents in mind.

  • Quiet, odour-controlled system maintains cleanliness and comfort in common areas

  • Enhances daily livability through noise attenuation and smoother operation.

  • GWS’s proprietary breakfall device cushions falling recyclables.

Expertise in complex PWCS Projects

The Sky Terrace @ Dawson project demonstrates how smart waste infrastructure can enhance sustainability, safety, and resident comfort in dense urban housing.

GWS’s system ensures high-capacity, low-disruption recyclables management, making it a model for future high-rise developments focused on livability and environmental performance