On 1 April 2026, Singapore will launch a nationwide take-back system for plastic and metal beverage containers. The system introduced by the National Environment Agency (NEA) is based on the principle of extended producer responsibility and aims to increase recycling rates, reduce waste volumes and raise consumer awareness of correct recycling.
Singapore wants to expand the circular economy in the packaging sector with the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS). The aim is to collect more high-quality recyclable materials that can be reprocessed into new products and at the same time reduce the burden on the city state's only landfill site, the Semakau landfill. The system is based on a deposit of ten Singapore cents on pre-packaged drinks in plastic and metal containers with a volume of 150 millilitres to three litres.
Deposit mechanism and return
The deposit is charged when a labelled beverage is purchased and is refunded in full when the empty container is returned. The return should take place at designated return points, including reverse vending machines. Larger supermarkets with a sales area of more than 200 square metres are obliged to set up corresponding return points. The NEA is also looking into additional locations in public facilities such as community centres to ensure a comprehensive and convenient return network.
Responsibility of the manufacturer
The system follows an extended producer responsibility approach. Producers and importers of beverages are responsible for collecting and recycling the packaging placed on the market. They must register their products and pay fees per container to the system operator, who organises the collection and recycling. The aim is to ensure clean and unmixed collection in order to increase recycling quality and reduce waste.
Start-up phase and transitional arrangements
A transitional phase will apply between 1 April 2026 and 30 September 2026. During this period, both drinks without deposit labelling and products that are already labelled may be sold. The deposit will only be charged and refunded for labelled containers. From 1 October 2026, all affected beverage containers must bear the deposit label.
System operators and targets
The NEA has licensed the not-for-profit Beverage Container Return Scheme Ltd (BCRS Ltd) as the scheme operator. The company was founded by a consortium of beverage producers and is responsible for operating the system from April 2026 to the end of March 2033. A network of more than 1,000 take-back points is to be established by the start of the system. From the third year of operation, the system is aiming for a return rate of 80 per cent. At the same time, transparent fee structures, sufficient financial reserves and comprehensive data protection measures are planned.
Source: NEA
