S'pore boy, 9, collects 200 cans & bottles in 2 months after learning about BCRS, gets S$20 refund

Nine-year-old Gregory Imran Zahin has picked up a new hobby: collecting empty cans and plastic bottles and recycling them at designated Return Right machines under Singapore's latest Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS).

Learnt about recycling in school

Speaking to Mothership, Gregory's father, 29-year-old Muhammad Zahin Bin Zainal, said his son first learnt about recycling and the BCRS at school.

He said Gregory became particularly interested after spotting the BCRS logo on a bottle for the first time, and then began encouraging his family to collect their used bottles and cans so they could be recycled properly.

Earned S$20

The family recently accompanied Gregory to a Return Right machine to recycle the containers, an experience Zahin documented in a TikTok video posted on Sep. 8.

According to Zahin, Gregory started collecting the containers about two months ago and had accumulated around 60 plastic bottles and 140 cans.

Most of them come from the family’s home or from meals they had outside, said Zahin.

"If we come across bottles or cans left on the ground, we’ll pick them up and recycle them properly. However, we don’t actively go out of our way to look for them," he added.

In the video, Gregory can be seen carrying four large bags filled with empty plastic bottles, while one of his younger siblings carries a cardboard box containing cans.

Unfortunately, the family’s first attempt was unsuccessful as the BCRS machine was full and could not accept the bottles and cans.

Zahin said they subsequently returned to the machine a few days later and were eventually able to recycle their collection.

In total, Gregory earned about S$20 from the bottles and cans he returned.

Zahin said Gregory was "very happy and excited" throughout the experience, particularly because he was able to contribute to recycling efforts in Singapore while adding the money to his savings.

When asked how him and his wife felt about it, Zahin said:

"As parents, we are very proud of him. Recycling wasn’t something we actively practiced before, but he has influenced the whole family, including his siblings and cousins about recycling."

For now, Gregory's goal is to continue recycling regularly and make it a habit.

He also has plans to combine his interest in recycling with another hobby.

During the family’s next shore fishing trip, Gregory hopes to bring rubbish bags with him so he can help clean up the beach while enjoying fishing.

His goal, Zahin said, is to "help clean up the beach and keep the environment clean for others".

@thezackjourney Road to +$1000 for my son, Road to -$10000 for me… Importantly, He Save the Earth #fyp #recycle #10cent #singapore #money ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono - moshimo sound design