Singapore will introduce a national deposit return scheme for beverage containers from 1 April 2026, marking a major step in the country’s efforts to increase recycling rates and promote a circular economy.

Under the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS), consumers will pay a refundable deposit of 10 Singapore cents when purchasing pre-packaged drinks in plastic bottles or metal cans ranging from 150ml to 3 litres. The deposit can be reclaimed by returning empty containers at designated collection points, including reverse vending machines installed across the city-state.

Eligible containers will carry a specific deposit mark and barcode so they can be recognised by the machines. The scheme will apply to a wide range of beverages, including soft drinks, bottled water, juices, dairy drinks and alcoholic beverages.

The programme operates under an extended producer responsibility model and is managed by Beverage Container Return Scheme Ltd., a not-for-profit organisation licensed by Singapore’s National Environment Agency. The operator will oversee the collection and recycling of containers on behalf of beverage producers.

A transition period running until the end of September 2026 will allow retailers and manufacturers to clear existing stock that does not carry the deposit label. During this time, consumers may see both deposit-marked and non-marked containers on store shelves.

Singapore is targeting significantly higher recycling rates through the initiative, with authorities aiming for around an 80% return rate for beverage containers within the first few years of operation.