Beverage container return scheme launch pushed back by a year

Under the beverage container return scheme, pre-packaged beverages in plastic and metal containers ranging from 150ml to 3L will have a 10-cent refundable deposit applied to them.

Consumers will be able to claim a full refund of the deposit if they return their empty beverage containers at designated return points like reverse vending machines. The relevant containers will be labelled with a deposit mark.

“The scheme aims to increase the recycling rate of beverage containers, thus diverting recyclable material away from waste incineration and landfill,” NEA said. 

“The scheme will also foster a culture of recycling among Singaporeans and raise consumer awareness on the importance of recycling.”

All producers that import or manufacture covered beverage products will have to participate in the scheme.

“As the licensed operator, BCRS Ltd will be responsible for collecting plastic and metal beverage containers for recycling on behalf of all beverage producers in Singapore for a period of seven years, from Apr 1, 2026, to Mar 31, 2033,” NEA said.

BCRS Ltd will act on behalf of all beverage producers, and it is required by law to appoint at least two board directors to represent the interests of smaller beverage producers.

“It will oversee end-to-end management of the returned beverage containers and ensure that the fees for stakeholders involved in the scheme will be fair, transparent and equitable,” NEA said.

“It will provide the start-up capital to initiate the scheme operations and maintain sufficient reserves to cover the operation of the scheme under all circumstances.

“BCRS Ltd will need to maintain data protection systems to protect against data loss, unauthorised access, modification, disclosure and misuse.”