SINGAPORE — The 2026 Singapore Grand Prix has been granted an exemption from Singapore’s Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS), meaning racegoers will not have to pay the usual 10-cent deposit on eligible bottled drinks sold within the Circuit Park.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) confirmed the exemption after the race organiser announced that polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottled beverages sold at the event would not carry the deposit.
The decision comes just days after the scheme’s full implementation on Oct. 1, following a six-month transition period that began in April.
Why the Singapore Grand Prix received an exemption
NEA said the exemption was granted because the Grand Prix takes place shortly after the scheme’s full rollout and involves a large-scale event with specific operational requirements.
The exemption covers Singapore GP and all food and beverage operators authorised by the organiser to sell drinks within the Circuit Park. These operators will not need to collect the 10-cent deposit on regulated beverages sold there.
Singapore GP has advised spectators that PET bottled drinks sold inside the Circuit Park will not include the deposit. However, racegoers are still encouraged to place their empty bottles in designated recycling bins around the venue.
The exemption applies to eligible drinks sold within the event grounds; it does not mean that the BCRS has been suspended across Singapore.
How Singapore’s beverage return scheme works
The BCRS is designed to encourage consumers to return empty beverage containers for recycling by attaching a refundable 10-cent deposit to regulated pre-packaged drinks.
The scheme covers eligible beverages in plastic and metal containers ranging from 150ml to three litres, provided the products fall within the scheme’s requirements and carry the appropriate BCRS label.
Consumers can return eligible empty containers at designated reverse vending machines to recover their deposits.
The scheme is intended to increase the collection of beverage containers and improve recycling rates, helping reduce waste and support a more circular economy.
Notices to be displayed at race venues
Singapore GP said it would inform visitors about the exemption through several channels, including its official website, notifications on the Singapore GP mobile application and notices at food and beverage outlets and Grid Bars within the Circuit Park.
The organiser also reminded spectators to dispose of their empty bottles responsibly, even though the usual deposit does not apply at the event.
The arrangement is particularly relevant during the Grand Prix weekend, when large crowds are expected to purchase drinks across the Marina Centre and Padang circuit area.
Grand Prix runs from Oct. 9 to 11
The Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix takes place from Oct. 9 to 11, 2026, around the Marina Centre and Padang area.
Road closures and public transport adjustments have been implemented to accommodate the race and related infrastructure, with authorities encouraging spectators to use public transport.
With the BCRS exemption in place, visitors can purchase eligible bottled drinks inside the Circuit Park without paying the additional 10-cent deposit. They are nevertheless encouraged to use the designated recycling bins to ensure the containers are collected and recycled.
The arrangement allows the event to proceed under a specific exemption while Singapore continues implementing its nationwide beverage container return programme.
