Singapore’s Beverage Container Return Scheme has entered full implementation, bringing new refund procedures and improved reverse vending machines after a six-month transition period.
From Oct. 1, all regulated pre-packaged beverages sold in Singapore in plastic or metal containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres must carry the scheme’s deposit mark and include a 10-cent refundable deposit. Consumers can recover the deposit by returning eligible empty containers at designated Return Right machines.
One of the biggest changes is the launch of a digital refund portal for consumers who encounter transaction problems at the machines. Instead of requesting refunds through email, users can scan the QR code on their service ticket or upload a photo of the ticket through the online portal.
Refund requests that are successfully verified are now expected to be credited to a user’s bank account within 10 working days, compared with the previous wait of up to 30 working days. Users may need to provide their full name, bank name and bank account number, while transaction details will be automatically filled in where possible.
The new portal will initially be available for machines operated by SG Recycle in northern and western Singapore before being progressively expanded to other machines across the island.
The scheme’s operator has also made changes to the Return Right machines following feedback from users during the transition period. Improvements include efforts to reduce machine errors, recalibrate container recognition and acceptance settings, and make the refund process more convenient.
Consumers have also been advised to empty and, where possible, rinse containers before returning them. Residual liquids can affect machine performance and cleanliness, while users are encouraged to keep the areas around the machines free of litter. The machines are cleaned and serviced at least once a day.
The scheme has already recorded substantial participation. More than 48 million beverage containers had been collected as of Sept. 27, representing more than 823 tonnes of material sent for processing and recycling instead of incineration. About 55% of the collected material was plastic and 45% was metal.
More than 1,300 Return Right machines are now operating, putting more than 90% of HDB residents within a five-minute walk of a return point. The network is expected to expand to around 2,000 machines during the first year of implementation.
The transition has also prompted some smaller retailers and non-profit organisations to seek additional time to clear beverage stock without the required deposit mark. As of Sept. 30, more than 2,700 applications for a grace period had been received, with about 90% of processed applications approved. Eligible applicants may continue handling non-BCRS-labelled stock until Oct. 31 under the approved extension.
With the scheme now fully operational, Singapore is moving from a transition phase into a system where the 10-cent deposit applies to all regulated beverage containers. The changes are intended to make refunds easier for consumers while improving the collection and recycling of plastic and metal beverage packaging.
