Singapore’s Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) will begin on 1 April 2026, introducing a refundable 10-cent deposit on eligible drink packaging including metal cans and plastic bottles. The scheme forms a central part of the city-state’s efforts to boost recycling rates and reduce waste.

Under the new system, consumers will pay an extra ten cents when buying canned and bottled drinks. This deposit can be reclaimed by returning the empty container to designated collection points, notably reverse vending machines and other return stations across Singapore.

Following feedback from beverage producers and retailers, authorities have extended the transition period from the initially proposed three months to six months, running from 1 April to 30 September 2026. This extension allows vendors more time to sell through older inventory that does not carry the new deposit mark.

During this period, consumers can expect to see a mixture of containers on store shelves — some with as stocks are gradually updated to comply with the scheme requirements.

The BCRS is being operated by BCRS Ltd — a not-for-profit consortium of major beverage producers, including Coca-Cola Singapore Beverages, F&N Foods and Pokka — under licence from the National Environment Agency (NEA). The consortium is responsible for establishing a network of more than 1,000 return points island-wide and ensuring the effective collection and recycling of returned containers.

Officials have said further information will be released in the coming weeks detailing how consumers can identify eligible containers and where they can return them for refunds.

The BCRS marks a key step in Singapore’s broader sustainability goals, encouraging greater recycling participation and supporting the development of a circular economy.