Singapore to launch automated beverage container return scheme

04/02/2026 09:26
Email Print 804
KPL (KPL/VNA) Singapore’s residents can tap their ez-link cards at vending machines to retrieve their 10-cent deposits (0.078 USD) when returning empty drink bottles and cans for recycling from April 1.

(KPL/VNA) Singapore’s residents can tap their ez-link cards at vending machines to retrieve their 10-cent deposits (0.078 USD) when returning empty drink bottles and cans for recycling from April 1.

This move is expected to encourage people to adjust their habits, thereby joining hands to protect the environment for future generations.

The ez-link cards, which include student and senior concession cards, will be a main refund method under the upcoming Beverage Container Return Scheme, according to Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Janil Puthucheary.

About 1,000 return points, comprising mainly machines, will be set up across the country by April 1 when the scheme starts. Within a year, the number will double to 2,000 to increase accessibility, he added.

For those who do not use ez-link cards to pay for transport, other digital payment methods will be announced soon.

Under the programme, customers will pay an additional 10 cents in refundable deposit for bottled and canned drinks ranging from 150ml to 3l. Most of the return points will be “reverse” vending machines, which will take in empty containers and dispense money in return.

KPL

Communiqué de presse

    • Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia sign MOU on defense research, developmentWorld News

      Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia sign MOU on defense research, development

      2/9/2026 10:36:07 AM

      (KPL/Yonhap) Republic of Korea and Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on deepening defense research and development on the occasion of a meeting of their defense ministers over the weekend, Seoul’s defense ministry said Monday.

    • Inside China’s biggest show: What it says about the countryWorld News

      Inside China’s biggest show: What it says about the country

      2/8/2026 8:48:55 PM

      For millions of people in China, Chinese New Year’s Eve begins the same way: a long journey home, a table slowly filling with dishes, and conversations that stretch late into the night. It’s the one evening of the year when distance shrinks - between cities, generations, and busy lives. Then, at 8 p.m., something else happens. A familiar opening melody fills living rooms across the country. The Spring Festival Gala begins. This live television show, broadcast every Chinese New Year’s Eve since 1983, is recognized by Guinness World Records as the most-watched annual television programme on the planet. The gala of music, laughter, and performing arts reaches far beyond China, lighting up screens from airports to shopping centres in over 80 countries.

    • Finance chief underscores technological innovation as key in developing economy World News

      Finance chief underscores technological innovation as key in developing economy

      2/6/2026 10:28:29 AM

      (KPL/Yonhap) Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol on Thursday underscored the importance of technological innovation in developing the economy, pledging government support for domestic companies with such innovation.

    • China’s top envoy says issue of disputed steel structures in Yellow Sea making positive progress World News

      China’s top envoy says issue of disputed steel structures in Yellow Sea making positive progress

      2/5/2026 9:09:29 AM

      (KPL/Yonhap) China’s top envoy to South Korea said Wednesday the issue of removing disputed steel structures built in the overlapping waters of the Yellow Sea is making progress in a positive direction.

    • Myanmar steps up prevention against Nipah virusWorld News

      Myanmar steps up prevention against Nipah virus

      2/4/2026 9:21:14 AM

      (KPL/VNA) Myanmar’s Ministry of Health announced on February 2 that it has stepped up health screening and epidemiological surveillance at Yangon International Airport to prevent the risk of the Nipah virus entering the country.


Top