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Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment
Parliament Q&A

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Feedback on BCRS Reverse Vending Machines

3 November 2026

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Feedback on BCRS Reverse Vending Machines by Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment

Question:

Mr Ang Wei Neng: To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) from the commencement of the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) to date, what is the total number of feedback received on the automated reverse vending machines (RVMs); (b) of this feedback, how many are hygiene-related; (c) how frequently are RVMs cleaned; and (d) what steps, if any, have been taken to improve the cleanliness of RVMs and their surroundings           

Answer:

Around 5% of the BCRS-related feedback received by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and BCRS Ltd.’s call centre is related to the hygiene and cleanliness of the Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs).

BCRS Ltd. ensures that all RVMs are cleaned and serviced at least once daily. It also works closely with premises owners such as retailers and Town Councils to maintain the cleanliness of the RVMs and their surroundings.

We encourage everyone to use the RVMs responsibly, including making sure that the containers are rinsed and empty before returning them.