Skip Tank in Bukit Brown - It's impact

 “Imagine strolling through a quiet park or visiting a cemetery to pay respects, only to be confronted by a large industrial skip tank. Its sharp edges, exposed waste, and sheer bulk jar against the calm and dignity of the space. While skip tanks serve a purpose in construction sites, their presence in public sanctuaries raises questions about safety, respect, and cultural sensitivity." 

Skip Tank at Bukit Brown Cemetery

It is not about nostalgia but also there are practical reasons why many people, me included are against the Skip Tank that you see in Bukit Brown Cemetery is ill-suitable for this space. My post explores why skip tanks are unsuitable for parks and cemeteries — and what better alternatives exist.

When Skip Tanks Are Suitable

1. Construction sites, renovation projects, or industrial zones where large debris must be collected quickly.
2. Skip Tank is used intensively to store environment waste. e.g. leaves, lalang and branches from regular maintenance of Bukit Brown and its surrounding areas. 
3. Areas with controlled access, where safety and aesthetics are less of a concern.

When Skip Tanks are not Suitable

1. Environmental Impact: Waste left in open tanks can attract vermin, produce odors, and leach pollutants into soil. In the case of Bukit Brown, animal and bird life behavior has changed because of this skip tanks. Plastic bags were scattered around and it attracts pests as waste is left exposed.
2. The waste that is observed in this Skip Tank comes from commercial and residence area and it has been observed (see video for evidence) that this includes food waste, disposable cups, masks, etc). This is contradictory to the explanations from National Environment Agency (NEA) that this waste comes purely only from cleaning activities in Bukit Brown. 
3. Really intrusive in serene environments like parks and cemeteries. Although highlighted by the National Environment Agency this is a cemetery no longer maintained, but Qing Ming proves that descendants still visit and pay respects to ancestors. To place this skip tank in a highly visible place to me disrespects cultural and spiritual significance of cemeteries and diminishes the dignity of memorial spaces. This is made worst if the skip tank is not maintained well. 
4. Risk of misuse (household or hazardous waste) - with people throwing items into this skip tank or flammable items inside.

On a positive note

For 2026 i have seen National Environment Agency (NEA) installed a CCTV to monitor the situation. Hopefully the decision makers will also see that the situation has negative impact that out way its positivity. 

Outdoor CCTV installed by NEA 

 

Conclusion

Waste management is a practical necessity, but it should never come at the expense of dignity or safety. Parks and cemeteries are places of beauty, memory, and community and wildlife — spaces. By choosing alternatives such as covered bins, mobile compactors, or underground systems, we can balance efficiency with respect. The challenge is not just technical, but cultural: how do we design solutions that honor heritage while meeting modern needs? The answer lies in thoughtful planning, and in our collective commitment to keeping these spaces serene and respectful for generations to come.