Welcome to\u00a0Stomping Ground<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 a space where Stompers share reflections, personal essays and social commentaries that spark conversation and insight.<\/strong><\/p>\n A woman who cleans tables at a food court in Singapore\u2019s city centre is appealing for diners to be more considerate while sharing the demands of her job.<\/p>\n The Stomper, who is in her late 40s, said she has been working as a table-top cleaner at various F&B establishments \u2014 including coffee shops and hawker centres \u2014 for the past three years.<\/p>\n She has been in her current role at a food court for around five months, but declined to share the exact branch for fear of repercussions.<\/p>\n The Stomper highlighted various inconsiderate behaviours she has noticed on the job, which she said adds to her workload. According to her, the majority of offenders appear to be tourists who are unaware of Singapore\u2019s Clean Tables Campaign<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cAlthough customers are required to return their trays after eating<\/a>, I still encounter many tourists who simply finish their meals and leave without clearing their tables, especially those dining in large groups,\u201d she told Stomp on July 1.<\/p>\n \u201cThis creates a heavy workload for the cleaning staff and leaves tables occupied with dirty trays, making it difficult for the next customers to find a clean table.\u201d<\/p>\n And while diners seem to love grilled fish, she feels the opposite.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t mind that they leave the small metal stove on the table, as I can collect it using my trolley,\u201d the Stomper said. However, she expressed frustration over diners leaving their cutlery on the table.<\/p>\n The Stomper said she decided to take this photo and send it to Stomp because she felt it was \u201ca more serious case\u201d, compared to the usual small handful of diners who do not clear their trays.<\/p>\n PHOTO: STOMP<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n The Stomper also dislikes it \u201cwhen customers come in big groups\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter they finish eating, they like to sit and chat for a long time,\u201d the Stomper explained. \u201cThe whole group then returns their trays at the same time, which causes the tray return station to become very crowded and jammed.\u201d<\/p>\n Another thing that gets on the Stomper\u2019s nerves? Noisy diners.<\/p>\n \u201cQuite a number of them also speak and laugh loudly during mealtimes,\u201d she said. \u201cSome people come here to read, study, or attend online meetings, so it would be considerate to keep the noise level down and avoid speaking or laughing too loudly.\u201d<\/p>\n The Stomper appealed for everyone to show more consideration towards cleaners and fellow diners<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope more visitors can respect Singapore\u2019s tray return culture and help keep our food courts clean for everyone,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n \u201cHopefully, diners can also spare a thought for the cleaners by returning their trays as soon as they have finished their meals. This helps to prevent the tray return station from becoming overcrowded and makes it easier for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n It is mandatory to return used trays and crockery at hawker centres, coffee shops, and food courts.<\/p>\n PHOTO: NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n It is\u00a0mandatory to return used trays and crockery<\/a>\u00a0at hawker centres, coffee shops, and food courts. Diners are also required to keep tables clean and clear any food remnants and used tissues after eating.<\/p>\n First-time offenders who fail to return trays receive a written warning, while repeat offenders may face a $300 fine.<\/p>\n Have your say on Stomping Ground! Write to us at stomp@sph.com.sg or WhatsApp 9384 3761.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n Have something to say? Join in!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Explore more on these topics<\/p>\n<\/div>\n See something interesting? Contribute<\/a> your story to us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nCleaner complains about big groups, noisy diners \u2014 and grilled fish<\/h2>\n
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