What Is Singapore’s Beverage Container Recycling Scheme (BCRS)?

From 2025, Singapore is introducing a new national recycling system called the Beverage Container Recycling Scheme (BCRS). You may notice small changes when buying canned or bottled drinks — including beer — so here’s a clear explanation of what’s happening, why it exists, and what it means for you.

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Why is Singapore introducing BCRS?

The scheme is led by the National Environment Agency and is designed to:

• Increase recycling rates for drink containers

• Reduce litter

• Make it easier for consumers to recycle correctly

• Shift responsibility for recycling upstream to producers and retailers

Similar deposit-return systems already exist in countries like Germany, Norway, and Australia, where recycling rates for cans and bottles exceed 90%.

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Which drinks are affected?

BCRS applies to most ready-to-drink beverages, including:

• Beer

• Cider

• Soft drinks

• Sparkling water

• Other canned or bottled drinks

It covers:

• Metal cans (aluminium / steel)

• Plastic bottles

Kegs and draft beer are not affected.

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How does the deposit work?

For each eligible can or bottle:

• A $0.10 refundable deposit is charged at the point of purchase

• When the empty container is returned to a reverse vending machine (RVM), the deposit is refunded

• Refunds are typically issued via:

  • E-wallets

  • PayNow

  • Vouchers

As long as the container is empty, intact, and readable, you get your 10 cents back.

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Why are prices increasing by more than $0.10?

This is the most common question — and an important one.

There are two separate things happening:

1. The refundable deposit ($0.10)

• This is not a cost

• You get it back when you recycle the container

2. New compliance costs (not refundable)

To participate in the scheme, every can or bottle must:

• Be registered with the scheme

• Carry an approved barcode and deposit marking

• Be recognised by recycling machines

• Be tracked and reported

For imported drinks (like most craft beer), this involves:

• Registration fees

• Barcode administration

• Labelling or sticker application

• Extra handling and labour

These costs currently add around $0.60–$0.80 per can before retail margins, which is why you may see shelf prices rise by more than $0.10.

We are actively working to reduce these costs over time, but during the early stages of the scheme, some increase is unavoidable.

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Can I take my cans home to recycle?

Absolutely — and many people will.

You can:

• Drink your beer

• Take the empty can home

• Return it at an RVM

• Get your $0.10 deposit back

Some venues may also allow you to keep the can after consumption — policies will vary by retailer.

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Will there be fewer beers available?

Possibly, at least at first.

During the initial rollout (especially in 2026), you may notice:

• Fewer limited-release imports

• Less frequent rotation of packaged beers

• A stronger focus on core or high-volume products

This is temporary while importers, breweries, and retailers adjust to the new system.

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Is this a good thing?

In the long run, yes.

Countries with deposit-return schemes typically see:

• Much higher recycling rates

• Cleaner public spaces

• Better-quality recycled materials

Once the system stabilises and costs come down, the benefits outweigh the early friction.

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Where can I learn more?

• National Environment Agency – Beverage Container Recycling Scheme

• Reverse vending machine locations (coming soon)

• Our FAQs and updates (we’ll keep this page updated as the scheme evolves)

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Final word

BCRS is a nationwide change, not a retailer or brewery decision.

Prices may look a little different, labels may look a little busier — but you’ll also be able to recycle more easily and get money back for doing so.

Thanks for bearing with us as Singapore takes this next step toward a more circular economy 🍻