1.0 Introduction to Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS)
What is the BCRS?
The Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) is a nationwide recycling initiative by Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA). It encourages consumers, retailers, and producers to take part in recycling drink containers with a 10-cent refundable deposit (BCRS deposit).
The main goals are:
- To reduce waste sent to Semakau Landfill
- To encourage recycling habits among the public
- To promote a circular economy, where materials like plastics and metals are reused instead of discarded
- To cut carbon emissions by recycling resources more efficiently
When will it start?
BCRS will be implemented in two phases. A short transition period (April–June 2026) allows older stock without deposit marks to be cleared by beverage producers and retailers.
Phase | Date | Details |
Phase 1 | 1 April 2026 | Scheme officially launches. Producers and retailers start participating, and return points begin operations. |
Phase 2 | 1 July 2026 | Full rollout. All beverage containers covered under the scheme in Singapore must be labelled with the official deposit mark and carry a 10-cent deposit. Only these containers will be eligible for refunds. |
What types of drink containers are included?
The scheme covers most pre-packaged ready-to-drink beverages sold in:
- Plastic bottles (e.g. mineral water, soft drinks, juices)
- Metal cans (e.g. energy drinks, coffee, beer)
- Volume: Between 150 millilitres and 3 litres
Not included:
Freshly prepared or on-site drinks (e.g. bubble tea, kopitiam drinks)
Paper-based cartons (e.g. milk or juice boxes)
Infant formula or medical nutrition products
Large bulk beverage containers (above 3L)
How the deposit system works
Every eligible drink container will have a 10-cent refundable deposit added to its price. When consumer finishes the drink, consumer can return the empty and uncrushed container to a designated Return Point (over 1,000 return points around Singapore) to claim 10 cents back.
Example:
Item | Retail Price | Deposit | Consumer Pay |
Soft drink can | $1.50 | $0.10 | $1.60 |
How it affects producers and retailers?
Producers (Manufacturers & Importers):
- Must register with the appointed Scheme Operator (BCRS Ltd)
- Ensure containers carry the deposit mark
- Collect deposits from retailers and manage returns and recycling
- Report data on sales and returns to NEA
Retailers:
Charge and display the 10-cent deposit clearly on receipts or invoices
Larger supermarkets (with floor area ≥200 m²) must provide return points
Smaller retailers can voluntarily participate
More information
Official website:
nea.gov.sg – Beverage Container Return Scheme
You can also check the site for:
- Full list of accepted drink types
Updates for retailers and producers
- Locations of return points (to be published closer to 2026)
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