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The Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) will launch Singapore\u2019s DRS for metal cans and plastic bottles this April.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Starting next month, the scheme will cover more than one billion beverage containers used annually, allowing the scheme operator to recover over 16,000 metric tons of material per year.\u00a0<\/p>\n
We speak to the BCRS to hear more about the DRS\u2019s setup and how the scheme operator plans to encourage citizen participation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom April 1, a fully refundable deposit of S$0.10 (~US$0.08) will apply to all pre-packaged beverages sold in plastic and metal containers ranging from 150 mL to 3,000 mL. Consumers who purchase these containers can return them to designated points to claim their refund,\u201d a BCRS spokesperson tells Packaging Insights<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cTo ensure a smooth rollout, a transition period from April 1 to September 30 allows the sale of both existing stock and new beverage containers with the scheme\u2019s deposit mark and registered barcode.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEffective October 1 of this year, the scheme will be fully implemented. Only products bearing the official deposit mark and barcode will thus be permitted for sale.\u201d<\/p>\n The BCRS tells us return points for empty beverage containers will be located at SFA-licensed supermarkets \u2014 national retail establishments in Singapore authorized by the Singapore Food Agency to sell raw meat\/seafood or conduct on-site food preparation \u2014 with a floor area larger than 200 square meters. Return options will also be available in publicly accessible spaces such as the void decks of public housing blocks and town centers.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cBCRS will share more details on the return points in due course.\u201d<\/p>\n The scheme aims to catalyze changes in behavior among Singaporeans, encouraging them to be more mindful of the packaging they consume; to practice good recycling habits, such as emptying bottles before returning them; and to reduce littering to keep shared spaces clean.<\/p>\n \u201cTo support the behavior change required, a public education campaign will be launched across multiple channels closer to the commencement of the scheme,\u201d says the spokesperson.<\/p>\n \u201cThis outreach includes digital and social media content, out-of-home advertisements, and media stories to raise awareness.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere will also be community activities to provide hands-on guidance, ensuring that residents of all demographics understand how to use the reverse vending machines and can adopt the habit of returning their empty containers.\u201d<\/p>\n But given the six-month transition period, the BCRS anticipates that the majority of BCRS containers will only appear on the shelves from June this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAs such, communication and outreach to the public will be progressively ramped up to minimize confusion among consumers as nearly all the beverages sold on April 1 will be non-BCRS containers.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRaising awareness<\/strong><\/h2>\n