From 1 April 2026, Singapore will introduce the Beverage Container Return Scheme. A $0.10 refundable deposit will be added to eligible bottled and canned beverages when you purchase them.
When the empty container is returned to a Return Right machine, the $0.10 deposit will be refunded.
The scheme aims to increase recycling rates and reduce beverage container waste in Singapore.
Why is FairPrice Group participating in this scheme?
The scheme is a national initiative introduced by the Singapore Government.
As a major retailer, FairPrice Group supports the rollout by:
- Selling beverages that participate in the scheme
- Hosting Return Right machines in our stores
Here are some helpful Q&As to help our customers navigate the transition.
Deposit and Pricing
- Why do I need to pay a deposit when I buy a drink?
The deposit is designed to encourage consumers to return empty containers for recycling. Once you return the container at a Return Right machine, the full deposit is refunded to you by BCRS Ltd, the Scheme Operator.
FairPrice Group does not generate any revenue from the BCRS deposit. The deposit is fully refundable to you when you return your empty container at a Return Right machine.
2. What products are covered under the Scheme?
Pre-packaged plastic and metal beverage containers between 150ml and 3,000ml are part of the scheme.
3. Why are there eligible products without the deposit mark?
Between 1 April and 30 September 2026, there will be a transition period. During this time, shops can still sell older drinks that don't have the deposit mark. If a bottle doesn't have the deposit mark, you won't be charged the $0.10 deposit during check out, and you also won't be able to get a refund for it at the Return Right machine.
4. Will beverage prices increase because of this Scheme?
Eligible beverages will include a $0.10 refundable deposit that is added at checkout.
However, this deposit is not a price increase. It is refunded when you return the empty container at a Return Right machine.
Some suppliers may adjust prices due to rising costs and other business considerations. These are industry-wide adjustments and not determined by FairPrice Group.
5. If I buy a pack of 4 x 200ml mini Coke cans, how much deposit do I pay?
The $0.10 deposit applies to each eligible container, so for a pack of 4 cans, you will pay $0.40 in deposit in total (4 x $0.10). The total amount of deposit will be reflected separately on your receipt/payment page during check-out. Simply return your empty cans at any Return Right machine to get your refund.
6. What is FairPrice's refund policy for beverages with the deposit mark?
In line with our current refund policy, FairPrice will issue a refund for the $0.10 BCRS deposit, along with the retail selling price, when the product is physically returned.
7. What if my delivery arrives with a crushed or damaged container? Can I still return the container?
The Return Right machine will not be able to accept the container if its barcode is damaged or if the container is crushed. If your delivery arrives damaged, please reach out to FairPrice Customer Service at 6380 5858 and we will assist you.
Identifying Eligible Containers
8. How do I know which beverage containers will be charged a deposit, or which container can be returned?
Look for the official deposit mark on the beverage packaging.
Only containers with this mark are eligible for return through the scheme.
9. How do I identify products with a deposit mark while shopping on FP Online?
Eligible containers will be clearly labelled on the FairPrice online store. Look out for the Deposit Mark indicator on the product listing.
10. Can I return containers purchased before the scheme starts?
Only containers that carry the official deposit mark are eligible for returns.
Containers purchased before the scheme launch or without the deposit mark cannot be returned for a refund.
Returning Containers at FairPrice stores
11. Where can I return my beverage containers?
Return Right machine are located at over 1,000 return points across Singapore, including more than 150 FairPrice, Finest and Xtra supermarkets.
Click here to view the locations of all RVMs in Singapore.
Return Right machines are not present in all our stores, as return points exclude stores smaller than 200 square meters. To confirm machine availability before visiting, please check the Return Right website.
12. Do I need to return containers to the same store where I bought them?
You can return eligible containers at any participating Return Right machine across Singapore, regardless of where the drink was purchased.
13. What are the modes of refund by the machine?
You can get your $0.10 deposit refund from the Return Right machine via SimplyGo Ezlink card and DBS Paylah!.
The deposit is refunded by BCRS Ltd. If you do not have a SimplyGo Ezlink card or DBS Paylah!, or if there are any issues with the refund process, please contact the Return Right helpline at +65 6035 5882 for assistance.
14. Can I get my refund from the cashier?
No, the refund is not given at the cashier. You will need to return the empty container with a Deposit Mark to a Return Right machine.
Tips for Using the Return Right machine
15. Do I need to empty my bottle or can before returning it?
Yes. Please ensure containers are completely empty before inserting them into the machine.
For safety and hygiene reasons, please do not pour liquids onto the floor or within store premises.
If needed, please dispose of liquids responsibly in appropriate sinks or drainage points outside the store before returning the container.
16. Should I crush the bottle or can before inserting it?
No. Containers should not be crushed. The machine needs the container to be in its original shape so it can identify the packaging correctly.
17. Do I need to remove the cap or label?
No. Please return the container with its cap and label intact, as these help the machine identify the packaging.
18. Why did the machine reject my container?
A container may be rejected if:
- It does not carry the deposit mark
- It is damaged or crushed
- The barcode or label cannot be read
- The container type is not part of the scheme
- It still contains liquid
If you believe the container should be accepted, please contact the Return Right helpline at +65 6035 5882 for assistance.
19. What should I do if the machine is full or not working?
If the Return Right machine is full, please alert our staff.
For malfunction or other operational issues, please try another machine nearby or contact the Return Right helpline at +65 6035 5882. FairPrice staff can only assist to contact BCRS' technical support to raise the issue.
20. I returned the container but the machine did not give me my refund. What should I do?
If you encounter issues with refunds or machine operations, please take a photo of the screen with the refund amount, and contact the Return Right helpline at +65 6035 5882 or email hi@returnright.sg to request a manual refund.
Return Right - Responsible Use of the Machines
21. Can I return containers with liquid still inside?
Containers should be empty before returning them.
Please avoid emptying liquids onto the floor, pavement, or supermarket premises, as this creates safety hazards for other customers.
22. Can I return a large number of containers at once?
Containers have to be inserted one by one. If you have a large quantity of containers, you may wish to consider bringing them to a Return Right Bulk Return Centre. Please contact BCRS Ltd for more information via +65 6035 5886 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm).
Need More Help?
23. Who should I contact if I have questions about the scheme or the machines?
For questions related to:
- Return Right machine
- Container eligibility
- Deposit refunds
- Technical issues
Please contact BCRS Ltd, which manages the national scheme.