Starting today, April 1, 2026, every canned or bottled drink you buy in Singapore comes with a 10-cent deposit. It is the first day of the nation's highly anticipated Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS), a landmark environmental initiative that aims to boost recycling rates and reduce waste across the island.
How the Scheme Works
The concept is straightforward. When you purchase a drink in a can or plastic bottle from any retailer, an additional 10 cents is added to the price. To get that deposit back, simply return the empty container to one of the designated return points scattered across Singapore. These include Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) located at supermarkets, convenience stores, hawker centres, and MRT stations.
The scheme covers all pre-packaged beverages sold in metal cans and plastic bottles ranging from 150ml to 3 litres. Glass bottles are not included at launch but may be added in future phases. Each container will carry a special deposit mark so consumers know it qualifies for a refund.
Where to Return Your Containers
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has partnered with scheme operator ALBA W&H Smart City to deploy more than 1,000 RVMs across the island by end of June 2026. On launch day, approximately 800 machines are already operational. You will find them at major supermarket chains like FairPrice, Giant, and Cold Storage, as well as at selected 7-Eleven and Cheers outlets.
Returning a container is simple: insert it into the RVM, and the machine scans the barcode and deposit mark. Once verified, your 10 cents is credited to your chosen payment method, which can include EZ-Link, bank transfer, or even donation to selected charities.
Why This Matters for Singapore
Singapore currently recycles only about 6 percent of its plastic waste and around 17 percent of metal waste from the domestic sector. The BCRS is designed to change these figures dramatically. Countries with similar deposit return schemes, such as Germany and Norway, have achieved return rates above 90 percent.
For a small island nation that sends most of its waste to Semakau Landfill, which is projected to reach capacity by 2035, every percentage point in recycling improvement counts. The BCRS is part of Singapore's broader Zero Waste Masterplan and the nation's push toward a circular economy.
What Consumers Are Saying
Reactions from residents have been largely positive, though some have raised concerns about the logistics of carrying empty containers to return points. Office workers in the CBD, for instance, are wondering where the nearest RVMs are located. The good news is that the NEA has launched a dedicated app and website where users can search for the closest return point based on their location.
Others see this as a welcome nudge toward more sustainable habits. "It is only 10 cents, but having to physically return the can makes you think twice about your consumption," said Ms Tan Wei Ling, a 28-year-old marketing executive in Tanjong Pagar. "I think it is a good move."
Tips for Day One
If you are heading out today, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, not all retailers will have RVMs on-site from day one, so check the NEA's locator tool before you go. Second, make sure the container is empty and not crushed beyond recognition, as the machine needs to scan the barcode. Third, remember that the deposit applies only to drinks purchased from April 1 onwards, so older stock without the deposit mark will not qualify for a refund.
The Beverage Container Return Scheme marks a meaningful step forward in Singapore's sustainability journey. Whether it becomes a daily habit or a minor inconvenience, one thing is clear: the little red dot just got a little greener.
