The BCRS scheme and observations on the ground

Why we need this 10-cent incentive right now.

Why Singapore currently needs this scheme now.

Why blue bin schemes are not sustainable here.

Is 10 cents enough? Why BCRS is worth keeping

Observing the current local recycling systems.

Seeing discarded syringes among the recycling.

Shabana's experience at BCRS sorting facility.

Proper public sorting upstream helps the line.

These hidden behind-the-scenes costs SMEs face

Is 10 cents a strong enough incentive for us?

Should glass bottles be added to BCRS schemes?

Are side hustles using the BCRS controversial?

2026 stats show a record trash disposal level.

The scheme could help to improve Singapore’s low domestic recycling rates.

Blue recycling bins filled with non-recyclable trash have become a common sight around Singapore. This contamination has resulted in poor domestic recycling rates in the country, as food and liquid waste thrown into the commingled bins taints the other recyclables. 

In 2025, the Republic logged its highest amount of waste disposed of, at about 3.36 million tonnes, up from about 3.33 million tonnes in 2024. This is in tandem with economic and population growth, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA).

To overcome this challenge, the National Environment Agency on Oct 1 fully implemented its Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) to ensure that plastic bottles and cans are segregated for recycling. But this initiative has also been plagued with complaints. 

In this episode, host Audrey Tan chats with Ang Qing and Shabana Begum, environment correspondents at ST, on whether these criticisms are warranted, and whether Singapore should continue pushing ahead with the scheme. 

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:31 Observations on the ground

6:00 Why we need this 10-cent incentive at this stage?

7:55 Why Singapore needs this scheme now

9:11 Why the blue bin scheme is not sustainable given poorer habits in Singapore

11:05 Why BCRS is worth persevering with

13:00 Observations of current and various recycling operations in Singapore

13:56 Not ideal conditions: Seeing discarded syringes among recyclables

15:35 Shabana on the more automated processes at a BCRS recycling facility

17:25 Qing on the need for the public to sort better upstream

18:25 Behind-the-scenes additional costs that SME retailers face

23:25 Is 10 cents enough of an incentive for the public?

25:35 Should more drinks such as glass bottles be worked into BCRS scheme?

26:15 Dumpster diving? Side hustles using the BCRS scheme?

Read more:

Shabana Begum’s articles: https://str.sg/5EGd

Ang Qing’s articles: https://str.sg/i5gT

Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W

Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2

Host: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producer: Ernest Luis 

Follow Green Pulse Podcast every Tuesday as we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag

YouTube: https://str.sg/fapS

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts 

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Google Play:https://str.sg/icyX

#greenpulse

The scheme could help to improve Singapore&rsquo;s low domestic recycling rates.
Blue recycling bins filled with non-recyclable trash have become a common sight around Singapore. This contamination has resulted in poor domestic recycling rates in the country, as food and liquid waste thrown into the commingled bins taints the other recyclables.&nbsp;
In 2025, the Republic logged its highest amount of waste disposed of, at about 3.36 million tonnes, up from about 3.33 million tonnes in 2024. This is in tandem with economic and population growth, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA).
To overcome this challenge, the National Environment Agency on Oct 1 fully implemented its Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) to ensure that plastic bottles and cans are segregated for recycling. But this initiative has also been plagued with complaints.&nbsp;
In this episode, host Audrey Tan chats with Ang Qing and Shabana Begum, environment correspondents at ST, on whether these criticisms are warranted, and whether Singapore should continue pushing ahead with the scheme.&nbsp;
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:31 Observations on the ground
6:00 Why we need this 10-cent incentive at this stage?
7:55 Why Singapore needs this scheme now
9:11 Why the blue bin scheme is not sustainable given poorer habits in Singapore
11:05 Why BCRS is worth persevering with
13:00 Observations of current and various recycling operations in Singapore
13:56 Not ideal conditions: Seeing discarded syringes among recyclables
15:35 Shabana on the more automated processes at a BCRS recycling facility
17:25 Qing on the need for the public to sort better upstream
18:25 Behind-the-scenes additional costs that SME retailers face
23:25 Is 10 cents enough of an incentive for the public?
25:35 Should more drinks such as glass bottles be worked into BCRS scheme?
26:15 Dumpster diving? Side hustles using the BCRS scheme?
Read more:
Shabana Begum&rsquo;s articles: <a href="https://str.sg/5EGd">https://str.sg/5EGd</a>
Ang Qing&rsquo;s articles: <a href="https://str.sg/i5gT">https://str.sg/i5gT</a>
Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/848W">https://str.sg/848W</a>
Read her articles:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/JLM2">https://str.sg/JLM2</a>
Host: Audrey Tan (<a href="mailto:audreyt@sph.com.sg">audreyt@sph.com.sg</a>)
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producer: Ernest Luis&nbsp;
Follow Green Pulse Podcast every Tuesday as we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society:
Channel:<a href="https://str.sg/JWaf"> https://str.sg/JWaf</a>
Apple Podcasts:<a href="https://str.sg/JWaY"> https://str.sg/JWaY</a>
Spotify:<a href="https://str.sg/JWag"> https://str.sg/JWag</a>
YouTube:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/fapS">https://str.sg/fapS</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>&nbsp;
Get more updates: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>&nbsp;
---
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store:<a href="https://str.sg/icyB"> https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play:<a href="https://str.sg/icyX"> </a><a href="https://str.sg/icyX">https://str.sg/icyX</a>
#greenpulse

The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change.

Synopsis: Every Tuesday, we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society.

Podcaster: Audrey Tan

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis

A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.

Synopsis: Every Tuesday, we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society.
Podcaster: Audrey Tan
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis
A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.