Sometimes, the most powerful sustainability initiatives are also the simplest.
During my recent visit to Singapore, I came across the Beverage Container Return Scheme at FairPrice, Vivo City Mall. It is a thoughtful initiative designed to encourage recycling and reduce waste. Under this scheme from 1st Apr 2026, regulated containers carry a Deposit Mark showing that a 10¢ deposit has been paid. There is a transition period - from 1 Apr to 30 Sep 2026 when both products with and without the Deposit Mark may be sold in stores. Only containers with a Deposit Mark can be returned at designated return points and Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) to receive the 10¢ refund digitally through EZ-Link cards, including student and senior concession cards.
At first glance, 10 cents may not seem like much. But when millions of bottles and cans are involved, this small incentive creates a powerful behavioural shift. Instead of being discarded, beverage containers are returned for recycling, helping valuable materials remain in the circular economy and reducing the amount of waste sent to incineration facilities and landfills.
What impressed me even more was how effectively the scheme is being promoted. In many stores, banners and informational displays are strategically positioned right next to the beverage shelves. As shoppers browse drinks, they are immediately reminded that the container has value beyond its first use. This timely message helps create awareness at the exact moment a purchase decision is being made.
The initiative demonstrates an important principle of sustainability: making the environmentally responsible choice easy, visible, and rewarding.
By encouraging the return and recycling of beverage containers, the scheme helps:
Reduce litter and environmental pollution
Increase recycling rates
Recover valuable materials for reuse
Promote a circular economy
Encourage responsible consumer behaviour
Sustainability is often perceived as requiring major sacrifices or large investments. Singapore’s Beverage Container Return Scheme proves that sometimes a small incentive, combined with smart awareness campaigns, can drive meaningful change at scale.
Imagine the impact if more cities and countries adopted similar initiatives. Millions of bottles and cans could be diverted from the waste stream and given a second life.
A greener future is built one returned container at a time.