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The National Environment Agency (NEA) will launch the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) on 1 April 2026. This nationwide initiative encourages consumers to “Return Right” by returning empty beverage containers for recycling, in exchange for a 10-cent deposit per eligible beverage container. Consumers can return eligible containers at “Return Right” Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) located islandwide.

For more information on how buyers/consumers can get their $0.10 deposit, click here.

What is the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS)?

Introduced by the National Environment Agency (NEA),the BCRS is designed to improve recycling rates and reduce contamination in recycling streams by introducing a deposit-based system for beverage containers.

• Covers plastic and metal beverage containers (150ml to 3L)

• Applies to over 1 billion containers annually

• Enables recovery of ~16,000 tonnes of recyclable material each year

• Supports Singapore’s push towards a circular economy

Coverage of the beverage container return scheme

• Material types:
  All plastic (e.g. PET, PP, HDPE, PS) and metal (e.g. aluminium, steel) containers
  
  

• Beverage types:
  All pre-packaged drinks, including but not limited to:

• Water

• Soft drinks (carbonated & non-carbonated)

• Coffee/tea

• Cordial

• Dairy beverages

• Alcohol
  
  

• Container types: All container shapes (e.g. bottles, cans, cups)
  
  

• Container sizes: 150ml to 3 litres (inclusive)

What Consumers Should Know

Buyers are required to pay a $0.10 refundable deposit when purchasing beverages covered under the Scheme via the Shopee Platform.

The deposit will be fully refunded when the empty container with the deposit mark is returned at designated return points.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does the Beverage Container Return Scheme start?

The scheme officially starts on 1 April 2026.

• A transition period runs until 30 September 2026 to allow clearance of older stock without the deposit mark.

• From 1 October 2026, all regulated beverage containers must carry the deposit mark to be eligible for a refund.

2. How much is the refundable deposit?

The deposit of $0.10 is fully refundable upon the return of the container at designated return points.

3. How do I claim the deposit refund?

Ensure the container has the official BCRS deposit mark and return the empty container to an approved return point. Ensure containers are empty, identifiable, and meet the scheme’s return requirements. Note that different return points may offer refund by e‑payment, e‑wallet, or other approved methods depending on operator systems.

Important Note

This article is intended for general informational purposes only. The scope and requirements of the BCRS are subject to change in accordance with applicable regulations.

Buyers are encouraged to refer to official announcements from the National Environment Agency Beverage Container Return Scheme for the most up-to-date information.