Beverage Container Return Scheme: What Changed on 1 April 2026

From 1 April 2026, a 10-cent deposit applies to pre-packaged drinks sold in plastic bottles and metal cans between 150ml and 3 litres. Return the empty, marked container to a Reverse Vending Machine and you get the 10 cents back.

Key dates

• 1 April 2026: Scheme launches. Over 1,070 Reverse Vending Machines deployed under the "Return Right" brand.
• 1 April to 30 September 2026: Transition period. Both marked and unmarked containers can be sold.
• 1 October 2026 onward: Only containers with the Deposit Mark can be sold.
• 2028: Government target of an 80% return rate.

Who it affects

• Residents: You'll pay an extra 10 cents per eligible drink at checkout, refunded when you return the empty container. Refunds go to SimplyGo EZ-Link or DBS PayLah!.
• SMEs (beverage producers/importers): You must register with BCRS Ltd and fund the collection and recycling of your containers.
• F&B operators: Coordinating container returns can be harder at hawker centres and coffee shops. Look for the Return Right F&B Scheme decal to check if an outlet participates, or whether the deposit is passed on to customers.

What you need to do

• Residents: Look for the Deposit Mark, keep containers uncrushed, return them at any Return Right machine.
• SMEs: Register with BCRS Ltd if you produce or import regulated beverages for the Singapore market.
• F&B operators: Decide whether to join the Return Right F&B Scheme or pass the deposit through, and communicate that clearly at point of sale.

Related: EPR. Source: bcrs.sg, nea.gov.sg. Verified 7 Jul 2026.