\n<\/p>\n
BCRS Ltd, the consortium appointed to operate the scheme, is offering a collection service for Return Right F&B outlets that accumulate at least 500 containers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When asked about the challenges, the Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) said that in anticipation of questions members may have on the operational aspects of the scheme, townhall sessions are being organised for end-April between RAS members and NEA. The RAS has more than 500 members.<\/p>\n
When asked about alternative collection arrangements for smaller operators and storage solutions, NEA and BCRS Ltd said in a joint reply that since the launch of the Return Right F&B scheme on Mar 3, the reception from operators has been encouraging with steady sign-ups from various types of operators. \u00a0<\/p>\n
For most food shops participating in the Return Right F&B scheme, only a small number of beverage containers are generated daily, it added.<\/p>\n
“For these food shops, returning these containers to the nearest reverse vending machines during off-hours is the most practical option. This approach reduces storage concerns and pest issues.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“BCRS Ltd will continue engaging with these food shops to gather feedback and enhance their return experience as the scheme progresses.<\/span><\/p>\n “The collection service by BCRS Ltd is intended for large volume, so that the collection can be cost-effective. This could include large generators, such as hotels or chain restaurants or malls, or in situations where food shops come together to aggregate their returns.”<\/span><\/p>\n They added that BCRS Ltd is gathering interest from operators of premises with food shops and restaurants for the collection service to optimise collection routes. They can register their interest at <\/span>info<\/span> [at] bcrs.sg<\/span> (info[at]bcrs[dot]sg<\/span>)<\/span><\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To participate in the collection service, premises operators will need to place empty and uncrushed BCRS-labelled beverage containers in sealable bags issued by the consortium.<\/span><\/p>\n These bags will be collected and sorted at BCRS Ltd\u2019s facility. Operators will need to register with BCRS Ltd for a corporate account to receive refunds on the deposits of containers returned.<\/p>\n Further operational details on the collection service, such as the collection schedule, will be provided later by BCRS Ltd to operators that have registered their interest, they said.<\/p>\n F&B operators that are keen to learn more about the Return Right F&B scheme can visit NEA\u2019s website.<\/p>\n The owner of a Clarke Quay bar, who declined to be named, said his outlet goes through hundreds of cans on weekends \u2013 including energy drinks mixed with alcohol \u2013 with servers typically pouring drinks into glasses and disposing of cans immediately.<\/p>\n Under the new scheme, that workflow would need to change significantly. Costs will also rise, since he would have to pay for transport for employees to return containers to designated points.<\/p>\n Storage is another concern. “You can’t crush the cans because you need to make sure the QR code is visible, so storage is going to be a huge issue,” he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nHIGHER VOLUME, MORE CONCERNS<\/h2>\n