Users complain BCRS machines often full & smells, scheme operator says they are serviced & cleaned at least once daily

With the national Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) now in full swing, a couple of issues have now cropped up seemingly as a result of high usage volume.

Users complained that the machines are often full and have become foul-smelling.

In response to queries, the scheme operator BCRS Ltd. said that the reverse vending machines are serviced and cleaned at least once daily.

Full bins

One user, Guo (transliteration), 57, told Shin Min Daily News that he has seen residents arrive at the BCRS reverse vending machines at Maxwell Food Centre and Whampoa Food Centre with bags of cans and bottles.

However, the machine would light up in red, leaving them unable to return the recyclables.

Guo said many people would show up with large bags of at least 200 bottles and cans.

"The machine would fill up quickly, frustrating those behind in the queue as they cannot return the recyclables," he continued.

Guo also shared that his friend had, on five occasions, encountered a "red light" at the vending machine in Pasir Panjang Hawker Centre, leaving the friend frustrated.

Guo told Shin Min that members of the public would like to support the recycling effort via the scheme.

However, he was concerned that issues with the reverse vending machines might put people off from participating.

"I think the machines need to be treated the same as trash bins. It should be cleared at least once a day," Guo opined.

When Shin Min visited the reverse vending machine at Maxwell Food Centre on Thursday (Oct. 8) afternoon, the machine was functioning normally.

A note on the machine also told the public they could go to the nearest machines if it was unavailable.

A QR code allowed users to check on the machine's status and capacity.

Stench

Apart from capacity issues, users have also complained online of a foul smell emanating from the reverse vending machines.

One user wrote on Facebook that the smell is similar to that of rubbish chutes.

On top of that, flies were also seen at the machine.

Other commenters shared similar observations about smell at the machines.

Machines are cleaned and serviced at least once daily: scheme operator

Responding to media queries, scheme operator BCRS Ltd. said it has received public feedback about odour from the machines.

Referring to a Sep. 30 factsheet, it said that all reverse vending machines are cleaned and serviced at least once daily.

It also said that it works closely with partners, including supermarkets, to ensure bins in the machines are cleared promptly during peak periods.

"Users can help keep machines operating smoothly by ensuring that containers are empty, and, where possible, rinsed before returning them," BCRS said in the factsheet.

"Users are also encouraged to keep the area around return points clean and not leave unreturned containers, litter or spill waste on the ground, so that the return point remains pleasant and accessible for everyone," it added.