'A sense of achievement': S'pore boy with autism, 8, collects over 170 bottles & S$17 in refunds from BCRS machines

An eight-year-old Singaporean boy with mild autism has collected over 170 bottles, earning around S$17, recycling them at Return Right machines under the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS).

Saif Syafaat started collecting empty bottles as part of a routine that his mother said he genuinely enjoys.

His mother, Shikin, 34, told Mothership that the family often buys mineral water by the carton and also collects bottles from their meals at food courts and restaurants.

She said Saif learnt about BCRS through his parents and he enjoys the whole process, sometimes singing when he gets more excited.

"For him, I think there is also a sense of achievement when he sees how many bottles he has managed to collect."

'Mama, can I throw this over here?'

According to Shikin, who is also a mum to three other boys, Saif becomes very interested in things that catch his attention and has always loved collecting things, from action figures to Lego toys.

Every time a bottle was about to be thrown away, Saif would ask his mother, "Mama, can I throw this over here?"

Shikin said she has a separate bag for the bottles, and Saif patiently collects them and gets excited about returning them.

"To some people, it may just be an empty plastic bottle. But to Saif, every bottle is something he collected, sorted and contributed himself."

Recycles wherever is convenient

The family recycles near their estate in Ang Mo Kio and typically does so after Saif finishes classes at Northland Primary School, where he is studying while waiting for a place at a Special education (SPED) school.

The family uses the refunds as a reward, treating Saif to his favourite meal or an ice cream.

She added that as a mother, she loves "seeing how happy and proud he gets from this little routine."

"It has also become a wonderful way for him to learn about recycling, responsibility, sorting, counting and even the value of patience and rewards."

Shikin elaborated that the value of recycling is not just about the money or the rewards: "As a mum of a child with autism, I sometimes worry about whether he will find things that he genuinely enjoys and that can also help him build confidence and independence."

"It’s about seeing him discover something he enjoys, take ownership of it and feel proud of what he has achieved."