Provisions of Resource Sustainability Act 2019 on new beverage container return scheme in force

30 July 2024

On 12 July 2024, new Part 4B of the Resource Sustainability Act 2019 on the beverage container return scheme (“Scheme”) came into force. Part 4B is introduced by the Resource Sustainability (Amendment) Act 2023.

Under the beverage container return scheme, a small deposit is applied when consumers purchase certain pre-packaged drinks. Consumers can claim a full refund of the deposit by returning their empty beverage containers at designated return points. This scheme will contribute to Singapore’s zero waste efforts by aggregating clean and high-quality recyclables, thereby supporting the development of the recycling industry.

Under the scheme, a refundable deposit of 10 cents will be applied on all pre-packaged beverages in plastic bottles and metal cans ranging from 150 millilitres to three litres. The deposit will be fully refunded when the empty plastic bottles or metal cans are returned at designated return points. Larger supermarket outlets with a floor area of more than 200 square metres will be required to set up return points.

Beverage producers will pay for and run the collection and recycling of empty beverage containers. All producers of pre-packaged beverages that supply beverages in Singapore will have to join a scheme operator to fulfil their obligations under the scheme.

The National Environment Agency (“NEA”) conducted a public consultation on the scheme from 20 September 2022 to 14 October 2022. More about the public consultation can be found in our article “NEA launches public consultation on Beverage Container Return Scheme”.

Background

Aside from the beverage container return scheme, the Resource Sustainability (Amendment) Act 2023 has also amended the Resource Sustainability Act 2019 to implement the following:

  • Disposable carrier bag charge: On 26 May 2023, new Part 4A of the Resource Sustainability Act 2019 on the disposable carrier bag charge came into force. From 3 July 2023, registered retailers are required to implement the disposable carrier bag charge at a minimum rate of at least five cents for each disposable carrier bag provided at their Singapore Food Agency-registered supermarkets. For further information, please read our article “Disposable carrier bag charge to be implemented from 3 July 2023”.
  • Food waste reporting framework: On 8 March 2024, new Part 5 of the Resource Sustainability Act 2019 on food waste came into force. Part 5 provides for the segregation and treatment of food waste generated in prescribed buildings and reporting requirements relating to the food waste so treated. For further information, please read our article “New provisions on segregation, treatment, and reporting requirements relating to food waste come into force”.

Reference materials

The following materials are available from Singapore Statutes Online sso.agc.gov.sg and NEA website www.nea.gov.sg: