Beverage Container Return Scheme

The Beverage Container Return Scheme will commence on 1 April 2026. The Scheme encourages consumers to “Return Right”^[1] by returning their empty plastic and metal beverage containers at dedicated return points across Singapore.

The Scheme was first proposed by a Recycle Right Citizens’ Workgroup in 2019 to increase household recycling rates and reduce contamination in recycling bins. These intentions remain relevant today. The amount of packaging waste accounts for one-third of Singapore's domestic waste, while the overall recycling rate remains low.

The Scheme will cover more than one billion beverage containers used each year, allowing us to recover over 16,000 tonnes of material annually. This means less waste sent for incineration, lower carbon emissions, and a more circular economy.

The Scheme also aims to catalyse changes in behaviour amongst Singaporeans – to be more mindful of the packaging they consume; to practise good recycling habits, such as emptying bottles before returning them; and to reduce littering and keep our shared spaces clean.

Return Right Return Right is the consumer-facing brand for the scheme that serves as a bridge between the scheme and the community. Designed to make recycling bottles and cans simple and rewarding for Singaporeans, it encourages participation in making recycling beverage containers a part of daily life. Learn more at returnright.sg.

BCRS Deposit Mark

Under the Scheme, pre-packaged beverages in plastic and metal containers ranging from 150 millilitres to 3 litres will carry a 10-cent deposit. These containers will feature a Deposit Mark and can be returned at any of the 'Return Right' Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) across Singapore to redeem the deposit.

A producer-led Scheme

The Scheme operates under an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, making this the second such initiative after the E-waste EPR scheme. It is managed by Beverage Container Return Scheme Ltd. (BCRS Ltd.)^[2], a not-for-profit company licensed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) as the scheme operator.

Established by the industry, BCRS Ltd. is governed by a Board comprising both large and small producers and is responsible for the collection and recycling of regulated beverage containers on behalf of all producers in Singapore. The Board comprises Coca-Cola Singapore Beverages, F&N Foods, Pokka, Wanin Industries, and Chia Khim Lee Food Industries.

^{[2] Visit bcrs.sg for more information on BCRS Ltd.}

Supporting producers to onboard the Scheme

BCRS Ltd. and NEA have been actively engaging producers of all sizes, offering practical support to facilitate their onboarding to the Scheme.

NEA has extended the transition period from three months to six months (between 1 April and 30 September 2026). To further assist producers during this transition, NEA introduced the Producer Transition Grant, providing up to $2,500 to producers who register before 1 April 2026. This grant is designed to offset costs such as product registration fees, producer fees, and the cost of scheme stickers.

Transition period from 1 April to 30 September 2026

When the Scheme officially starts on 1 April 2026, containers bearing the Deposit Mark will gradually enter the market during the transition period, with widespread availability expected by August and September 2026. During this initial period, the beverage and retail industry will also be clearing old stock that does not feature the Scheme’s Deposit Mark and is therefore not eligible for 10-cent deposit refunds.

NEA and BCRS Ltd. will be expanding outreach efforts with partners, and online publicity, and materials at stores explaining how the Scheme works and where to recycle the beverage containers. The transition period provides consumers with time to adjust to the scheme. Additionally, BCRS Ltd. will actively gather consumer feedback and make necessary adjustments to enhance the Scheme.

Working with retailers for pricing clarity

Major supermarket operators have come together to provide greater clarity in price displays for consumers. They have collectively decided to display beverage prices on shelves without including the 10-cent deposit, and reflect that the deposit will be charged at checkout. While smaller retailers may adopt different practices, we will continue to work closely with them to ensure transparent pricing for consumers.

Facilitating smooth implementation in the Food and Beverage (F&B) Sector 

Supermarkets and other retailers will charge the 10-cent deposit to buyers for each beverage container sold that bears the Deposit Mark. However, the food and beverage (F&B) landscape in Singapore is very diverse, with different settings and operating models. We have identified two main typologies, which will be clearly differentiated for consumers’ ease.

• NEA is introducing the “Return Right F&B Scheme (RRFS)” for F&B outlets with dine-in service. Under this scheme, participating restaurants and food shops collect back beverage containers consumed during dine-in without charging customers the 10-cent deposit. These establishments will be known as “Return Right F&B” outlets, and can implement this by either serving the beverages in cups or glasses without containers; or serving beverages with the containers, with the understanding that customers leave them behind at the dine-in premises after consumption. 

To help customers easily identify such premises, RRFS collaterals will be provided to F&B outlets. While this arrangement closely resembles the current dining experience for customers, it does require additional effort and operational adjustments by F&B operators. To support these efforts, NEA will provide a one-time support of $500 per food shop on application.

• For restaurants and food shops not participating in the RRFS, beverage containers will be sold with the 10-cent deposit, where the deposit follows the container. This arrangement is also more suitable for certain settings, such as hawker centres and most coffeeshops, where takeback arrangements could be challenging due to the porous nature of dining areas and the presence of multiple drink stalls within the same area, in the case of hawker centres.

Reverse vending machines and refund methods

At launch, over 1,000 “Return Right” RVMs will be deployed, ensuring that over 90 per cent of HDB households are within a five-minute walk of an RVM. The number of return points will double to 2,000 within the first year of implementation. While some of these additional RVMs have already been earmarked, the remaining ones will be located based on return patterns, community feedback, and inputs from other stakeholders. In addition to all mandated supermarkets, all hawker centres, which are high-footfall community spaces, will have an RVM placed either within the hawker centre or nearby upon the completion of deployment. Consumers can find the nearest “Return Right” RVMs at returnright.sg from 1 April 2026.

Once at an RVM, consumers can claim their 10-cent deposit via either SimplyGo EZ-Link or DBS PayLah!. DBS Paylah! is open to all users in Singapore and eligible users can sign up for the app without a DBS/POSB bank account^[3]. Students and seniors can use their concession cards to get refunds. BCRS Ltd. will continue to explore additional refund methods to enhance user convenience.

Providing accessibility for seniors and persons with disabilities

Some seniors and vulnerable members of the community may require additional assistance to adapt to the Scheme. We will therefore work closely with community partners and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as TOUCH Community Services, Tzu Chi Foundation (Singapore) and Singapore Environment Council (SEC) to reach out to seniors and vulnerable groups, to help them understand the Scheme and address any challenges they may face in returning their beverage containers. We are also working with SG Enable to improve the return experience.

Collective support is essential for the Scheme’s success

The Beverage Container Return Scheme is a significant step forward in Singapore's recycling journey. Time will be needed for adjustments to be made as this new approach to recycling is adopted. The success of this Scheme can be achieved with everyone's support. Every small effort counts towards making recycling work better and building a more sustainable Singapore.