National Environment Agency launches beverage container return scheme
Singapore
Oct 21, 2024
The National Environment Agency announces the new Beverage Container Return Scheme. The Beverage Container Return Scheme aims to:
- Increase the recycling rate of beverage containers and reduce the amount of waste disposed of as well as carbon emissions; and
- Raise consumer awareness on the importance of recycling and encourage good recycling practices.
With a deposit in place, the Scheme will encourage consumers to return their empty beverage containers for recycling. The Scheme will also aggregate clean and high-quality recyclables which can be made into new products.
Under the Scheme, a 10-cent refundable deposit will be applied on all pre-packaged beverages in plastic and metal containers ranging from 150 millilitres to 3 litres.
The deposit will be fully refunded when customers return empty plastic or metal beverage containers at designated return points, including reverse vending machines. Larger supermarket outlets [1] with a floor area of more than 200m2 will be required to set up return points. Supermarkets are major sales channels of pre-packaged beverages and popular return locations. To ensure a convenient return point network for the public, setting up of additional return points in community spaces (e.g., Community Clubs, Town Centres) will be explored.
Beverage producers will pay for and run the collection and recycling of empty beverage containers. All producers that import or manufacture covered beverage products must participate in the Scheme. They would register as members with the Scheme Operator. They would also register their beverage products and pay fees (per container placed on the market) to the Scheme Operator to collect and recycle empty beverage containers on their behalf.
For further information (in English), click on the Link