Singapore will officially launch its nationwide Beverage Container Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) on April 1st to encourage the recycling of plastic bottles and metal cans.
The government has extended the transition period for the Beverage Container Refund Scheme (BCRS) from three months to six months, giving manufacturers more time to clear existing inventory. The transition period, originally scheduled to end on June 30th, will now last until September 30th.
Under the scheme, consumers can receive a refund of 10 cents (Singapore currency, 10 cents = S$0.10, approximately RMB0.5417) by depositing eligible empty containers into reverse vending machines.
Large supermarkets with a floor area exceeding 200 square meters are required to set up refund points. To create a convenient network of refund points for the public, the government will also explore the feasibility of adding more refund points in community spaces.
Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Sustainable Development and the Environment of Singapore, said, "We understand that change takes time and effort, and we have been working closely with the scheme operator BCRS (a joint venture between Coca-Cola Beverages Singapore, F&N Foods Group, and Pokka) and other stakeholders, from beverage manufacturers to retailers, to ensure the scheme's implementation is feasible and smooth for all stakeholders."
Grace Period Explanation:
During the transition period, retailers can sell containers with and without the BCRS logo: unmarked containers can be purchased without a deposit, while marked containers require a 10-cent deposit.
From October 1st, all regulated beverage products sold in Singapore must have the scheme's deposit logo printed on their containers.
Puthucheary added, "In the coming weeks, BCRS will share more details about the program with the public, including how to identify the program logo on beverage containers and where to return these empty containers."
"We will also strengthen our advocacy and collaboration with all manufacturers, retailers, and food and beverage outlets. Through this joint effort, we are taking a significant step towards a more sustainable Singapore. Every returned container will have a positive impact on future generations."
