Preedee TeoThe start of Singapore’s beverage container return scheme has been postponed from its original date of 1 Apr 2025. Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Amy Khor, announced that the new launch date will be 1 Apr 2026. This cause will be spearheaded by Beverage Container Return Scheme Ltd. (BCRS Ltd.), a not-for-profit company which comprises a consortium of beverage producers, which will collect, sort, and recycle beverage containers.
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How the return scheme will work
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The scheme will add a S$0.10 deposit to the price of pre-packaged beverages in plastic or metal containers ranging from 150ml to 3L. Consumers can redeem this deposit by returning empty containers at designated points, such as reverse vending machines in certain supermarkets. The S$0.10 deposit will not be subject to GST.
From 1 Apr to 30 Jun 2026, there will be a transition period allowing the industry to clear older, non-refundable stock. Full implementation of the scheme will commence on 1 Jul 2026. After this date, all beverage containers must feature a deposit mark which means they have to carry the S$0.10 deposit.
Beverage container collection and recycling efforts
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The NEA has licensed BCRS Ltd. to oversee the scheme. They will oversee the collection, sorting, and recycling of beverage containers. BCRS Ltd. will start operations on 1 Apr 2026, and will manage the scheme until 31 Mar 2033.
Reasons for the extended timeline
The scheme’s initial launch was planned for mid-2024 before it was delayed to 2025 and now to 2026.
The delay was requested by beverage producers to allow more time for the scheme’s design and implementation. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), the new timeline will help beverage producers finalised operational and business models, and ensure a smoother and more convenient rollout for consumers.
Raising public awareness
To ensure a successful launch, there will be initiatives to launch public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to educate the public on the what they can expect if they decide to participate in this scheme. A dedicated website will provide details on return point locations and promotional events.
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The beverage container return scheme aims to boost recycling rates and reduce the amount of recyclable material ending up in waste incineration and landfills. It also introduces an accountability model to hold beverage producers accountable for the collection and management of their products’ end-of-life. The scheme will help foster a stronger recycling culture among Singaporeans and enhance consumer awareness about the importance of recycling.
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