Beverage Container Return Scheme

  1. The National Environment Agency
  2. Our Services
  3. Waste Management
  4. Beverage Container Return Scheme
  5. For Consumers

For Consumers

How can I Return Right?

To receive your 10¢ refund, follow these three steps at any Return Right Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) or F&B dine-in outlet on the Return Right F&B Scheme (RRFS).

Step 1: Collect eligible beverage containers

  • Buy a regulated beverage in a plastic or metal container (150ml to 3L).
    Included Excluded
    Materials: All Plastic (PET, PP, HDPE, etc.) and Metal (Aluminum/Steel) Other Packaging: Beverage cartons, pouches and glass
    Size: 150ml to 3L Size: Less than 150ml, or more than 3L
    Beverage Types: All pre-packaged beverages, including water, soft drinks, juices, dairy, juice concentrates/cordials, and alcohol Freshly Prepared: Drinks made and sold in the same premises (e.g. freshly prepared herbal drinks, freshly brewed coffee/tea, freshly squeezed juices, bubble tea), or prepared at a central F&B establishment for sale by the same food business operator for operational expediency
     
    Specialty: Foods for Special Medical Purposes
     

  • Check the Label: Look out for the BCRS Deposit Mark on the container label to know if it is eligible for a 10¢ refund.

    SG Return Mark SG Return Mark  Deposit Mark

  • Empty: Ensure the container is empty.
  • Keep it Intact: Do not crush or flatten the containers. The RVM must scan the barcode to verify it.

Step 2: Find your nearest Return Right Reverse Vending Machine (RVM)

Step 3: Return and get your refund digitally.

  • Receive your 10¢ refund via available e-payment modes - SimplyGo EZ-Link (including student and senior concession cards) or DBS PayLah! 

Where are the Return Right RVMs located?

Returning your containers is designed to be convenient and fit into your daily routine.  We are building a network of return points to ensure that recycling is as easy as possible for everyone.

  • Network of Return Points: We will start with over 1,000 Return Right Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) islandwide, located at larger supermarkets (over 200m²), Town Centres, HDB void decks and some Hawker Centres.
  • Near Your Home: At launch on 1 April 2026, 90% of HDB residents will be within a 5-minute walk of a return point.
  • Expansion Plans: To further increase accessibility, we aim to double the number of return points to 2,000 within the first year of the scheme.
  • Return Right RVMs: You can drop your containers into the Return Right RVMs for a quick and seamless refund experience.

Return Right F&B

Return Right F&B outlets collect back beverage containers consumed during dine-in without charging customers the 10¢ deposit.  They can implement this by either serving the beverages in cups or glasses without the containers; or serving beverages with the containers, with the understanding that customers leave them behind at the dine-in premises after consumption.

You can identify participating Return Right F&B outlets through the Return Right decal and collaterals displayed at the F&B outlets. 

Scheme Timeline & Transition

To help the industry and consumers adjust, the scheme will be rolled out in two phases. During the first six months, you may see two different versions of the same drink on the shelf. Here is how to tell them apart:

Phase 1: 1 April – 30 September 2026

The scheme officially commences on 1 April 2026. This marks the start of a 6-month transition period (April – September 2026) to allow producers and retailers to clear existing stocks.

  • With the BCRS Deposit Mark: A 10¢ deposit is included in the price at checkout. You can claim this 10¢ back when you return the empty container.
  • Without the BCRS Deposit Mark: You do not need to pay a deposit and the container is not eligible for a refund at the RVMs. Recycle your empty containers through existing means such as blue bins or other recycling stations.

Phase 2: 1 October 2026 (Full Implementation)

  • The transition period ends. From 1 October 2026, all regulated beverage products supplied in Singapore must carry the BCRS Deposit Mark and the 10¢ deposit will be applied to all regulated beverage containers.

Pro-Tip: Always check the label for the BCRS Deposit Mark before heading to a Return Right RVM to ensure a smooth refund experience!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding the Scheme

  • What is the purpose of the Beverage Container Return Scheme? The scheme is designed to increase the recycling rate of beverage containers and encourage good recycling practices. By placing a value on empty containers, we encourage a "circular economy" where high-quality plastic and metal are recovered to be made into new products instead of being sent to the Semakau Landfill.
  • How much is the deposit, and is there GST? The refundable deposit is 10¢ per container. This deposit is not subject to GST.
  • Who is running the Scheme? The Scheme is managed by BCRS Ltd., a not-for-profit operator licensed by NEA. They are responsible for the collection and recycling of containers on behalf of beverage producers.

What Can I Return?

  • Which containers are included in the Scheme?
    To receive a refund, your container must bear the BCRS Deposit Mark.
    • Material: All plastic (e.g., PET, PP, HDPE) and metal containers (e.g., aluminum and steel)
    • Size: Between 150ml and 3 litres
    • Beverage Types: All pre-packaged drinks, including water, soft drinks, juices, dairy, juice concentrates/cordials, and alcohol
    • Condition: Containers must be empty and uncrushed with the barcode clearly visible for scanning.
  • Are there any exclusions? Yes. The following are not part of the Scheme:
    • Containers not meant for consumption in Singapore: These beverage containers will not carry the BCRS Deposit Mark.

    • Freshly Prepared Beverages: Drinks made and sold in the same premises (e.g. freshly prepared herbal drinks, freshly brewed coffee/tea, freshly squeezed juices, bubble tea), or prepared at a central F&B establishment for sale by the same food business operator for operational expediency, are excluded.

    • Medical Foods: Foods for Special Medical Purposes are excluded.

How to Get Your Refund

  • Where can I return my empty containers? There will be a network of over 1,000 Return Right Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) across Singapore.
    • Supermarkets: Large supermarket outlets (floor area >200m²) are required to have a return point.
    • Community Spaces: Additional return points will be set up at Town Centres, HDB void decks, and some Hawker Centres.
  • How do I get my 10¢ back? You can return your empty, uncrushed container at any Return Right RVM. Simply insert your empty container into the RVM and you will receive your refund via SimplyGo Ezlink or DBS PayLah!
  • Can I return any container for a refund? No. Only containers featuring the BCRS Deposit Mark are eligible for a refund. These bottles and cans will begin appearing on shelves from 1 April 2026, with widespread availability expected by August and September 2026.

Important Dates

  • Why can’t I get a refund for some containers after April 2026? Containers without the BCRS Deposit Mark are not eligible for a refund. You may recycle these containers at the blue bins or other recycling stations.

  • When will all drinks have the deposit mark? From 1 October 2026, all regulated beverage products sold in Singapore must have the BCRS Deposit Mark.