Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment Amy Khor said this in Parliament on Tuesday, in reply to a question from Madam Ho Geok Choo West Coast GRC).

Last month, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong called on Singaporeans to be gracious about clearing up at food courts.

NEA introduced a trial 'Tray Return System' at the Zion Riverside Food Centre in 2003, but discontinued it when most patrons preferred to let cleaners clear their tables, Dr Khor said.

When it brings back the scheme, tray racks will be provided at strategic locations at selected hawker centres.

There will also be posters, signs, and even officers to advise patrons to return trays after eating.

But cleaners will not be deprived of jobs: They will still be needed to make sure that tables are actually cleared.