Singapore’s Beverage Container Return Scheme: A Guide to the 10¢ Refund

As Singapore moves toward its goal of becoming a Zero Waste Nation under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, the management of packaging waste has taken center stage. A key pillar of this journey is the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS).

Managed by BCRS Ltd. (a not-for-profit industry-led consortium) and supported by the National Environment Agency (NEA), this scheme aims to cultivate a culture of recycling by providing a financial incentive for consumers to return their empty beverage containers.

How the Scheme Works

The BCRS operates on a "deposit-refund" model. When you purchase a pre-packaged drink, a small deposit (10 cents) is included in the price. This deposit is fully refunded when you return the empty container to a designated return point.

The 4 Simple Steps to "Return Right":

1. Check: Ensure the container has the official Deposit Mark. Eligible containers include plastic (PET) bottles and metal cans ranging from 150ml to 3L.

2. Empty & Prepare: The container must be empty. It is important not to crush it, as the machines need to scan the barcode to verify eligibility.

3. Return: Take the container to a Return Right machine (Reverse Vending Machine) located at supermarkets or community touchpoints.

4. Refund: Receive your 10-cent refund instantly via digital platforms like DBS PayLah! or through your SimplyGo EZ-Link card.

Where Does Your Returned Container Go?

Many often wonder what happens after the machine accepts the bottle. The process is designed to ensure a "closed-loop" circular economy:

1. Collection & Sorting: Once collected from the machines, the containers are sent to a dedicated facility managed by Cora Environment.

2. Processing: Here, the containers are counted, sorted by material type, and baled into high-quality raw materials.

3. New Life: These bales are then sent to manufacturers to be recycled into brand-new products, reducing the need for virgin plastic and metal production.

Why This Matters for Singapore

By diverting plastic and metal from our only landfill, Semakau Landfill, we extend its lifespan and reduce the carbon footprint associated with waste incineration. The scheme aims to collect and recycle 80% of plastic bottles and aluminum cans put into the market annually.

At Ausko, we recognize that innovative infrastructure and community participation are the keys to a sustainable future. The BCRS is more than just a recycling program; it is a collective movement to ensure that every bottle and can is given a second life.

Credits & Sources:

• Information on scheme mechanics and logistics courtesy of Return Right.

• Regulatory framework and scheme objectives provided by the National Environment Agency (NEA).