- 5.5 million bottles and cans have been recycled through the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) since its launch on April 1, according to Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Janil Puthucheary.
- The BCRS allows consumers to return eligible drink containers at reverse vending machines to receive a refund of S$0.10 (US$0.08) for each container.
- Over one million successful refunds have been made under the scheme, indicating its growing acceptance among the public.
- The BCRS was launched to encourage recycling of pre-packaged beverage containers made of plastic or metal, with volumes between 150ml and 3,000ml.
- From October 1, all regulated beverage containers sold in Singapore must carry the BCRS deposit mark.
- BCRS Ltd, the scheme's not-for-profit operator, is formed by a consortium of beverage producers including Coca-Cola Singapore Beverages, F&N Foods, and Pokka.
Singapore's Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) has seen significant success since its launch on April 1, with 5.5 million bottles and cans recycled and over one million successful refunds processed. Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Janil Puthucheary, reported these figures in Parliament on August 5.13
Under the BCRS, consumers can return eligible drink containers at reverse vending machines to receive a refund of S$0.10 (US$0.08) for each container. The scheme is designed to encourage recycling and reduce waste, with more BCRS-labelled products expected to enter the market soon, which will likely increase the recycling numbers further.2
Dr. Janil noted that the scheme has been well-received, stating, “Most transactions and returns at reverse vending machines have been successful.” He also addressed concerns regarding the 10-cent increase in prices for drinks with the BCRS mark, explaining that market competition will keep prices in check.
The BCRS is operated by BCRS Ltd, a not-for-profit organization formed by a consortium of beverage producers, including Coca-Cola Singapore Beverages and F&N Foods. The scheme is funded through producer fees and revenue from recyclables. Dr. Janil emphasized that any unclaimed deposits may be used to cover operational costs, a model common in similar schemes worldwide.6
The government has deployed 1,070 reverse vending machines across Singapore, with plans to increase this number to around 2,000 within the first year of implementation, ensuring accessibility for all residents.
“Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary told Parliament that more than one million successful refunds of S$0.10 per eligible container have been made. The not-for-profit operator BCRS Ltd, formed by Coca-Cola Singapore Beverages, F&N Foods and Pokka, can use unclaimed deposits to cover scheme costs, and all 1,070 reverse vending machines are operational.”
AsiaOne
