|
Name |
Beverage Container Return Scheme [1] |
|
Date Implemented |
April 1, 2026 with a "transition period" until September 30, 2026. |
|
Containers Covered |
All prepackaged containers in plastic and metal containers from 150 mL to 3L. Glass is excluded. |
|
Beverages Covered |
All pre-packaged beverages, including water, soft drinks, juices, dairy, juice concentrates/cordials, and alcohol. [2] |
|
Amount of Deposit |
10¢ |
| Program Success |
TBD |
Details
In 2019, the Singapore Ministry of Sustainability and Environment (MSE) established the Recycle Right Citizens' Workgroup to allow citizens to collaborate and recommend solutions to improve household recycling under the #RecycleRight campaign. As part of the nine proposals, three team members suggested the establishment of a national deposit scheme. [3]
In response, the Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA) responded they will explore the efficacy of a deposit return scheme, developing a proposed plan over two years. From September to October 2022, the NEA opened up public consultation on the proposed return scheme, which included details such as covered container types, return point locations, and the deposit amount. [4]
In March 2023, the government officially announced the establishment of the national Beverage Container Return Scheme. The program was originally set to begin April 1, 2025, with a transition period between April 2025 to June 2025 to phase out old stock without the mandatory deposit labeling. [5] In mid-2024, it was announced that the deposit return system would be delayed to April 1, 2026. [6]Footnotes
[1] "Beverage Container Return Scheme". National Environment Agency of Singapore.
[2] "Beverage Container Return Scheme - For Consumers." National Environment Agency of Singapore.
[3] "Nine citizen proposals to improve household recycling in Singapore." #RecycleRight Citizens Workgroup 2019. Published by Singapore Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment. November 2019.
[4]"Public Consultation On Proposed Beverage Container Return Scheme." Singapore National Environment Agency. 2022.
[5] "Beverage Packaging to Get Refundable Deposit in Container Return Scheme." The Beat Asia. March 22, 2023.
[6] "10-cent beverage container return deposit to be rolled out in April 2026 after a year's delay." The Straits Times. July 31, 2024.
[7] "Singapore today becomes the first Southeast Asian nation to launch a nationwide deposit return scheme." TOMRA. April 1, 2026.
[8] See Footnote 7
Last updated on May 27, 2026.