From Apr 1, containers bearing the mark can be returned at more than 1,000 reverse vending machines across Singapore. The number of return points will double within the first year. Cans without the deposit mark cannot be returned through these machines.
Refunds will be credited to EZ-Link cards, concession cards or DBS PayLah! wallets.
The scheme operates under the Extended Producer Responsibility framework, requiring producers to take responsibility for the beverage containers they bring to market and ensure they are collected and recycled.
Under the scheme, 16,000 tonnes of material is expected to be recovered for recycling every year, Dr Puthucheary said. He added that the scheme will launch with the name “Return Right”.
“Through Return Right, we hope that Singaporeans will also become more mindful of the packaging they consume, dispose of waste properly to keep our shared spaces clean and practise good recycling habits, which will reduce the contamination in our blue recycling bins,” he added.