Beverage Container Return Scheme in Singapore

As saving the Earth becomes more pressing a need than ever before, Singapore is ramping up rewards for those who recycle. First, there were smart recycling machines in heartland neighbourhoods that doled out FairPrice vouchers. And come 1st April 2026, the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) will officially be launched.

It ain’t an April Fool’s joke, either, although some might be sceptical given that this scheme has been in talks since 2020, and was originally set to roll out in 2022. It was then postponed to 2024 to give drink manufacturers more time to adjust their products accordingly, then delayed again till 2026, which brings us to today.

Here’s the lowdown on how you’ll get to claim $0.10 for every recycled beverage can or bottle:

How does the Beverage Container Return Scheme work?

In a bid to get Singaporeans to be more active in recycling and cut down on waste disposed, bottled and canned drinks will cost an additional $0.10 at retail. You will be able to get a full refund of this $0.10 “deposit” when you return the empty beverage containers at designated drop-off points, called Reverse Vending Machines or RVMs. Over 1,000 RVMs will be set up all around Singapore, at places like supermarkets and communal areas.

Image credit: NEA

This will apply to pre-packaged beverages in plastic bottles and metal cans, ranging from 150ml to 3 litres in volume. You’ll be able to spot a Beverage Container Return Scheme marking on the packaging of participating products.

The $0.10 deposit will be returned to you digitally. You can opt to receive it through your SimplyGo Ez-Link card (including student and senior concession cards) or through your PayLah! wallet.

Transition period extended from 3 months to 6 months

Here’s the thing though: although the scheme now has an official launch date of 1st April 2026, the original transition period of 3 months upon roll-out has been extended to 6 months from April to September 2026. This will allow stakeholders like beverage companies and manufacturing operators to provide the supply of new BCRS logo-sporting packaging, whilst clearing out the previous inventory of non-BCRS products.

What does this mean for us consumers? Expect to see a mix of both BCRS and non-BCRS drinks on the shelves while shopping, or served to you at F&B establishments. For containers without the BCRS deposit mark, you will not need to pay the $0.10 deposit.

This also gives us a longer period of adjustment to get used to depositing the BCRS-marked bottles and cans at the RVMs, and for RVM operators to be able to manage the surge in deposits and tailor their clearance manpower accordingly.

Where to find a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM)?

Participating in the BCRS is a lot easier than you might think. With over 1000 machines set to be deployed at launch and more to be rolled out within the year, this means that over 90% of HDB households are within a 5-minute walk of an RVM. These machines can also be found in larger supermarkets, HDB void decks, Town Centres, and selected Hawker Centres.

To locate your nearest RVM, visit returnright.sg for a full list of current RVMs and upcoming machine locations.

A Reverse Vending Machine.
Image adapted from: Waltz Ng on Facebook

Returning my beverage container

How to return your BCRS eligible beverage container?

The scheme might be a little confusing, especially since it is the first time it’s been introduced in Singapore. Fret not, simply follow our step-by-step guide on how to return your beverage container for a seamless experience.

Step 1: Check if your beverage container is eligible

Image adapted from: Return Right 

• Not all beverage containers are accepted by the RVMs. To make sure your trip down is not wasted, look out for the BCRS Deposit Mark present on your plastic or metal bottles and cans.
• Glass containers or cartons are not accepted.

The BCRS Deposit Mark and how it may look on beverage containers.
Image credit: National Environmental Agency 

Step 2: Ensure the barcode of the beverage container is intact

Image adapted from: Return Right 

• Don’t crush or flatten your containers as the RVMs require the barcode in order for your container to be verified.
• This also means that you should not remove the packaging of your containers.

Step 3: Empty your beverage container

Image adapted from: Return Right 

• While washing is not necessary, you are encouraged to lightly rinse them. Most importantly, ensure that your container is emptied.
• Filled containers will be rejected by the machine as they pose a contamination threat.

Step 4: Return your beverage container at an RVM

Image adapted from: Return Right 

• Return your beverage container at an RVM.

Step 5: Collect your 10-cent deposit

Images adapted from: Return Right 

• The refund will be processed digitally via your SimplyGo Ez-Link cards, including student and senior concession cards, or your DBS PayLah! Wallet.

What kind of containers can I recycle as part of the BCRS?

Not all containers are eligible for the BCRS. Only beverage containers with the deposit mark will be accepted by the machines. Generally, this includes your 150ml to 3 litre plastic or metal bottles and cans. This also means that glass bottles or beverage cartons are not accepted.

How will I receive the 10 cents from the BCRS?

Once you’re done returning all your containers, just tap your card on the card reader or scan your DBS Paylah’s QR code to get the $0.10 credited.

Do I have to pay the 10-cent deposit if I am dining out?

You might be wondering how the BCRS would play out if you were to get a drink outside. Who is paying the $0.10 deposit? Well this depends on each individual store.

For some restaurants and eateries with dine-in options, they may choose to opt in for the Return Right F&B Scheme (RRFS). This means that these outlets will bear the charge of the $0.10 deposit and no additional costs will be passed on to you. They will serve the drinks in cups or glasses, or in their original beverage containers so all you have to do is leave the container behind and they will recycle it for you.

For establishments who don’t join the RRFS, the $0.10 deposit may be passed on to consumers. This may include F&B outlets at hawker centres and coffee shops, where the collection of the beverage containers can be difficult to coordinate.

If you are unsure if an establishment is under the RRFS, simply look out for a decal indicating their participation or clarify with a staff member.

Return Right F&B Scheme decal.
Image credit: Beverage Container Return Scheme 

Deposit bottled & canned drinks to get 10 cents apiece

Image credit: NEA

It’s no secret that us Singaporeans love savings. And if this scheme allows all of us to be more mindful of and active in recycling plastic and metal, that’s a win-win. While it may take a little getting used to for those who don’t already have the habit of recycling, just remember that every drink container counts. Little by little, it all adds up in our contributions to sustainability.

Find out more about the Beverage Container Return Scheme

For more on recycling in Singapore:

• Guide to recycling in Singapore
• Where do recyclables go?
• Recycling myths debunked
• Easy upcycling ideas

Originally published on 20th February 2026. Last updated by Chandelle Cheong on 27th March 2026.