New return scheme charges shoppers 10 cents refund deposit on bottles, cans

The new scheme aims to cultivate recycling habits in Singapore.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) announced the beverage container return scheme that aims to increase Singapore’s recycling rate, reduce the amount of waste disposed of, and reduce carbon emissions. The new scheme will begin on 1 April 2025.

Under the scheme, all pre-packaged plastic bottles and metal cans ranging from 150 millilitres to 3 litres can be collected and returned at any designated return point for a refundable deposit of 10 cents. 

Supermarkets with more than 200 square metres of floor area are required to set up return points with a Scheme Operator to enhance the consumer’s convenience.

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The new scheme required all beverage manufacturers and importers to put deposit marks and barcodes on their bottles and cans.

These deposit marks will help consumers identify the products that are eligible for refund, whilst the barcode will facilitate the return of the containers and serve as an anti-fraud measure.

In a statement, NEA stated that the beverage container return scheme will “cultivate recycling habits amongst Singaporeans and aggregate clean recyclables.” It will also support Singapore’s developing recycling industry by increasing the supply and quality of the recyclables collected.