From April 1, consumers who return eligible cans and bottles for recycling can receive 10-cent (US$0.08) refunds credited to PayLah! e-wallet.
This is the second digital refund option introduced under the government’s Beverage Container Return Scheme, following an earlier announcement that refunds could be made by tapping ez-link cards, according to the scheme’s website.
An illustration of used plastic bottles. Photo by Unsplash/tanvi sharma |
The scheme encourages consumers to deposit used drink containers at more than 1,000 reverse vending machines located across the island. Under the program, a refundable 10-cent deposit will be charged on bottled and canned beverages ranging from 150ml to 3 liters.
Customers can receive the fund via PayLah! – an e-wallet operated by DBS Bank. The app is available to all residents in Singapore, and users can register without holding a DBS bank account.
They need to generate a personal QR code under the “My QR” function in the app and scan it at the reserve vending machines.
“The PayLah! e-wallet has extensive reach and is accessible to all Singaporeans and permanent residents, including those who do not bank with DBS. These options are well suited to the anticipated high volume of small-value refunds,” according to the Beverage Container Return Scheme. The bank said PayLah! has 3 million users.
It remains unclear how the return system will apply to coffee shops, eateries and restaurants. Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Janil Puthucheary had earlier said discussions are ongoing with coffee shops and small retailers to address concerns related to the scheme, according to The Straits Times.
Singapore’s household recycling rate fell to a record low of 11% in 2024, while just 5% of plastic waste was recycled overall.
Through the scheme, Singapore is targeting a return rate of between 70% and 80% for bottles and cans.
Comments are closed.