Rummaging through public bins & removing items from them is against the law: Grace Fu on BCRS

Those caught rummaging through public refuse bins, removing items from them, or leaving or spilling waste on the ground could face legal action, said Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu.

Fu was responding to a parliamentary question from PAP MP Hazlina Abdul Halim, who asked whether measures were in place to prevent unhygienic practices under the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS), and whether separate collection bins and facilities for liquid disposal would be provided at high-use locations.

BCRS was launched on Apr. 1, 2026.

Under the scheme, consumers are refunded 10 cents when they return their used eligible cans or bottles at Return Right Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) in Singapore.

NEA to take action

In a written reply, Fu said members of the public should do their part to keep shared spaces clean.

"Rummaging through public refuse bins, removing items from them, and leaving or spilling waste on the ground are against the law," she said.

She added that the National Environment Agency (NEA) will take action against those who commit such offences.

Fu also reminded the public that the RVMs are designed for the return of empty beverage containers.

As such, users should ensure that containers are emptied before they are returned.

As most users return their beverage containers responsibly and empty them beforehand, there are currently no plans to provide dedicated facilities for liquid disposal at RVMs, she said.

Earlier on Oct. 3, 2026, a photo of a man and child looking into a rubbish bin at night, which was posted on the Facebook page Complaint Singapore, sparked debate online.

According to the caption accompanying the photo, the pair were allegedly a father and son who were rummaging through the bin for BCRS containers.