How to Get Your 10¢ Refund: Singapore’s Beverage Container Return Scheme

As saving the Earth becomes more pressing than ever, Singapore is ramping up rewards for those who recycle. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has officially rolled out the nationwide Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS).

If you love grabbing your favorite bottled green teas, canned sodas, or packet drinks on your regular grocery runs, you might have noticed some small changes at checkout counters across the island. Don't worry—this isn't a permanent price hike! It is a refundable deposit system designed to pave the way toward a zero-waste Singapore.

This guide breaks down exactly how the BCRS works, what you need to look out for, and how you can easily claim your 10-cent refund.

What is the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS)?

The BCRS is a nationwide sustainability initiative led by the NEA. Under this scheme, a 10-cent refundable deposit is applied to eligible pre-packaged beverages at the point of purchase.

The main goal of the scheme is to create a clean, high-quality stream of recyclable plastic and metal, directly supporting the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and extending the life of the Semakau Landfill.

The 2026 Transition Period

The scheme features a six-month transition period. During this time, you will see a mix of older stock (without the deposit mark) and new stock on store shelves.

• Important: You will only be charged a 10-cent deposit on items that feature the official Deposit Mark. Consequently, only items with this mark can be returned for a refund.

Is My Drink Eligible? What’s Included vs. Excluded

Before you start collecting your empty containers, check this quick cheat sheet to see what can be recycled through the Return Right machines:

✅ What is Included:

• Materials: Pre-packaged beverage containers made of plastic (like PET bottles) or metal (aluminum or steel cans).

• Sizes: Broadly ranging from 150ml to 3,000ml (3 Liters).

• Beverage Types: Soft drinks, mineral water, juices, dairy products, beer, and other pre-packaged liquids.

• The Golden Rule: The container must bear the official circular Deposit Mark (reading "10c SG Return") and have an intact, scannable barcode.

❌ What is Excluded:

• Containers without the official Singapore Deposit Mark.

• Glass bottles, paper beverage cartons (e.g., juice packets), and flexible pouches.

• Freshly prepared drinks sold on-site (like your daily bubble tea or freshly brewed kopi/teh).

• Specialty items like foods for dedicated medical purposes.

4 Easy Steps to "Return Right" and Get Your 10¢ Back

Returning your containers is completely digital, fast, and seamlessly integrated into heartland locations. Follow these four simple steps:

1. Check: Ensure the plastic bottle or aluminum can features the official Deposit Mark.

2. Prepare & Empty: Drink up! Ensure the container is entirely empty of liquid. Pro-Tip: Give it a quick rinse to keep your home recycling bag clean and odor-free.

3. Keep It Whole (Do NOT Crush): The automated Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) require the container to be in its original shape to scan the barcode and verify the packaging. If you flatten the can or rip the label off, the machine will reject it!

4. Return & Refund: Take your items to a designated Return Right machine.

How to use the Return Right Machine:

• Tap the digital screen to begin.

• Insert your eligible containers into the slot one by one.

• Once processed, choose your preferred digital payment mode to claim your 10¢ per container:

  • Tap your SimplyGo EZ-Link card (including student or senior concession cards).

  • Scan your DBS PayLah! QR code (Found under 'MyQR' on your PayLah! app home screen).

Where Can I Find a Return Right Machine?

Finding a location is incredibly easy. A nationwide network of over 1,000 return points has been rolled out across Singapore—meaning over 90% of HDB residents are within a 5-minute walk of a machine. You can find them at:

• Major SFA-licensed supermarkets (all supermarkets larger than 200 sqm are mandated to host a return point).

• Select HDB void decks, Town Centres, and Hawker Centres.

Before heading out with your bag of recyclables, visit the official self-help portal at returnright.sg. The live website features an interactive map indicating your nearest machine, its exact operating hours, and its current live capacity status so you know if a machine is full before making the trip!

Let’s Protect Our Environment Together!

The next time you load up your basket with refreshing canned drinks and bottled water, remember to hold onto those empties. By practicing mindfulness and "Returning Right," we can prevent tons of clean plastic and aluminum from hitting the incinerators, giving our beverage containers a brand-new lease on life.

Happy recycling, Singapore!

Sources & Content Credits:

• National Environment Agency (NEA) - Beverage Container Return Scheme Official Overview

• Return Right Singapore - Self-Help, Machine Maps & Guidelines