SINGAPORE – Starting April 1, residents can earn a 10-cent refund for recycling eligible bottles and cans through their DBS PayLah! digital wallets. This initiative is part of the wider Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) and introduces a second digital refund channel, complementing the previously announced option of using ez-link cards.
To participate in this recycling effort, consumers can return their used drink containers at more than 1,000 specially designed reverse vending machines throughout the island.
The scheme requires an additional 10-cent deposit for drinks packaged in bottles or cans ranging from 150ml to 3 litres, a fee which is refundable upon returning the items.
Users need to generate a personal QR code in the ‘My QR’ section of the PayLah! app and scan it at the vending machine for a refund.
This digital wallet option is accessible to all Singapore residents, allowing individuals without DBS or POSB bank accounts to sign up as well.
Once the items are returned, the refund will be directly credited to the user’s PayLah! wallet, accompanied by a notification to confirm the transaction.
The reverse vending machines are strategically placed in supermarkets, town centers, and HDB void decks, ensuring high visibility and accessibility for users.
When queried about the absence of PayNow as a refund option, BCRS Ltd explained that the transaction costs associated with PayLah! are notably lower, making it a better fit for frequent small refunds.
Discussions are ongoing to potentially introduce other digital refund methods, including PayNow, particularly for more significant or bulk returns. The goal remains to streamline the refund process while keeping costs manageable.
According to the Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, the current focus is on digital refund methods rather than cash, meaning machines won’t dispense 10-cent coins. Community ambassadors will be available to assist residents, especially seniors, with the digital refund process.
How the scheme will function in coffee shops and eateries is still being discussed, with continuous dialogue happening with small businesses to ensure smooth implementation.
Singapore’s household recycling rate hit a concerning low of 11% in 2024, with only 5% of its plastic waste finding its way to recycling. Through the BCRS initiative, the city-state aims to boost the return rate of bottles and cans to between 70% and 80%.