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Singapore’s new Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) only launched on Apr 1, and already many have raised questions about it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
On paper, the scheme sounds straightforward: Pay an additional 10-cent deposit when buying selected bottled or canned drinks, then get that money back when you return the empty container to one of more than 1,000 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) across Singapore.<\/p>\n
Think of it as recycling with cashback.<\/p>\n
However, in practice, it’s less straightforward.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Only beverage containers bearing the official “10\u00a2 SG Return” logo are eligible under this scheme.<\/p>\n
On top of that, many supermarket shelves are still stocked with older inventory that don’t carry the logo.<\/p>\n
A six-month transition period was built into the rollout to allow retailers and beverage companies time to clear existing stock before newer, deposit-bearing containers take to the shelves.<\/p>\n
8days.sg did a quick check at two major supermarkets and found only two drinks carrying said logo.<\/p>\n
We reached out to BCRS Ltds, and a spokesperson shared that the number of eligible products and retailers carrying them is increasing over the course of the transition period as more deposit-marked products enter the market.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs these figures are evolving, we are working closely with producers and retailers to support the changeover,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n
But successfully locating an eligible bottle is only half the battle won.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Under the scheme, refunds can be credited through participating digital payment platforms such as DBS PayLah! and EZ Link cards.\u00a0<\/p>\n
However, a post on Complaint Singapore saw some netizens expressing their surprise that popular payment methods such as PayNow are currently not accepted for direct refunds.<\/p>\n
In response, BCRS Ltds, shared that the DBS PayLah! e-wallet has extensive reach and is accessible to all Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, including those who do not bank with DBS or POSB, making the process more seamless and inclusive.<\/p>\n
According to them, DBS PayLah!, SimplyGo EZ-Link cards, concession cards are well suited to the anticipated high volume of small-value refunds under the scheme, and helps manages transactions costs prudently, at a significantly lower cost compared to PayNow.<\/p>\n
Others online shared that they were disappointed to discover that when they tried to use their EZ-Link cards for the refunds, they were told that the service was down and couldn\u2019t receive the refunded deposits either.<\/p>\n
However, it is still possible to claim the refund, but it requires one to submit claims via e-mail and providing receipts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho’s going to send an e-mail for 10 cents?\u201d wrote a frustrated netizen.<\/p>\n
Another commented: \u201cIf I paid the deposit, I should be able to get it back easily.\u201d<\/p>\n
BCRS Ltd says they recognise that some users have faced\u00a0 issues with the refund process, and are working to improve the experience.<\/p>\n
For cases where a refund is not successfully completed, users may contact BCRS Ltd. at 6035 5882 or email hi<\/span> [at] returnright.sg<\/span> (hi[at]returnright[dot]sg)<\/span><\/span> to report the issue and receive their refund.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n