Cans and bottles DRS kicks off in Singapore

Singapore launched its Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) on 1 April and says it will come fully into effect over the next six months.

Branded as ‘Return Right’, the scheme encourages consumers to return their empty plastic and metal bottles and cans at dedicated points across Singapore. It is expected to handle more than one billion used containers each year, allowing the recovery of over 16 000 tonnes of material annually.

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; and to reduce littering.

Deposit Mark

The concept was first proposed by a citizens’ workgroup in 2019 to increase household recycling rates and reduce contamination in recycling bins. Today, packaging accounts for one-third of Singapore’s domestic waste with an overall low recycling rate.

Under the DRS scheme, pre-packaged cans and bottles ranging from 150 millilitres to three litres will carry a 10-cent deposit. The containers will feature a Deposit Mark (DM) and can be returned at any ‘Return Right’ reverse vending machine (RVM) to redeem the deposit.

BCRS Ltd, a not-for-profit company licensed by the National Environment Agency, manages the scheme. Established by the industry, BCRS is responsible for the collection and recycling of regulated containers on behalf of all producers in Singapore.

The management board comprises Coca-Cola Singapore Beverages, F&N Foods, Pokka, Wanin Industries and Chia Khim Lee Food Industries.

Transition

Now the scheme in underway, containers bearing the DM will gradually enter the market during a transition period, with widespread availability expected by August and September. During this initial period, the beverage and retail industry will be clearing old stock that does not feature a DM and is not eligible for deposit refunds.

Among the technology partners is Tomra Collection, which has deployed 350 RVMs across the central and north‑eastern regions.

The company’s presence in Singapore is supported by its service partner, Chye Thiam Maintenance. It maintains some of the country’s busiest and most iconic locations including Changi Airport, Jewel Changi Airport, Resorts World Sentosa, and major events such as the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.