WHAT THE PROCESS MAY LOOK LIKE
The scheme will likely be managed by a not-for-profit entity that will take charge of operations, like the collection of used containers, and the handling associated with deposits.
This particular operator will be required to report its functions and performance, plus achieve a return target set by the NEA, which will regulate plus monitor its compliance.
Within similar overseas initiatives, producers of pre-packaged beverages are legally responsible for the selection and recycling of used containers. These people register as a member with the scheme operator to collect and recycle drink containers on behalf of the operator as well as fund the scheme.
Bar codes of pre-packaged drinks must be registered with all the operator. This helps the particular operator track the particular numbers and sorts of containers covered and also serves to prevent customers from claiming a refund for inapplicable containers, such as those people bought overseas. Bar codes can also be scanned when returned to invert vending machines.
Apart from a bar code, containers will be labelled with a deposit mark to help consumers identify those that are protected under the scheme.
As to in which the containers can be returned, the Government is mulling mandated return factors at large supermarkets using a total area of over 200 sq m. These supermarkets – of which there are about 400 – account for one-third of pre-packaged drinks sold in Singapore and are also the preferred come back locations for study respondents.
Additional return points will be considered after balancing their convenience and accessibility to consumers contrary to the operational costs of the extensive collection system.
Return points could take those form of over-the-counter manual returns handled simply by cashiers, or automatic reverse vending devices. The scheme owner will pay these come back points handling costs to compensate for related costs.
About how food and beverage operators may perform the scheme, Doctor Khor said that operators may choose to pour the particular beverage into cups for customers and keep the particular containers, or they might hand the pot over to customers on their own.
Upon return of the containers, consumers may get their particular refunds through digital transfer, cash, money vouchers or may also opt to donate the total amount to charity.
Based on the previous survey, cash and electronic transfers were the most preferred options.
The public will be invited to give their feedback and views, particularly on the kind of beverage containers to incorporate, the deposit amount and return stage locations, via go. gov. sg/nea-bcrs . The study will close on Oct 14, 11. 59pm.