1.0 Introduction to Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS)

1.0 Introduction to Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS)

What is the BCRS?

Beverage Pic

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:
  1. To reduce waste sent to Semakau Landfill
  1. To encourage recycling habits among the public
  1. To promote a circular economy, where materials like plastics and metals are reused instead of discarded
  1. 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:
  1. Plastic bottles (e.g. mineral water, soft drinks, juices)
  1. Metal cans (e.g. energy drinks, coffee, beer)
  1. 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

Designated Return Point pic

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):
  1. Must register with the appointed Scheme Operator (BCRS Ltd)
  1. Ensure containers carry the deposit mark
  1. Collect deposits from retailers and manage returns and recycling
  1. 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)