Migrant workers queue at Woodlands Recreation Centre for BCRS refunds, earn S$150 to S$160 per month

Singaporeans aren't the only ones embracing the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS).

Migrant workers too have been spotted using the Return Right machines.

Shin Min Daily News reported that migrant workers have been spotted queueing up with big bags of bottles and cans at the Woodlands Recreation Centre, turning it into a "recycling hotspot".

Temporarily out of service

Upon visiting the site on Oct. 19, Shin Min observed the machine, which was located outside a supermarket, was out of order.

Within the span of 30 minutes, 15 migrant workers arrived with large bags of bottles and cans, but left disappointed after realising the machine could not be used.

Earning S$150 to S$160

A 32-year-old employee of a nearby mobile phone shop told Shin Min that many migrant workers living in dormitories nearby would line up on weekday evenings to recycle items.

"I don't actually use the machines here myself, because there are just too many people," she said.

Another female business owner who wished to remain anonymous said she heard that some migrant workers reportedly earned S$150 in a day just from the refunds.

The machines are cleaned and maintained about three or four times a week, the supermarket employee said, adding that should any unusual odour be detected, staff would be sent to clean them.

They would also remove bottles and cans from the machine whenever it is full, Shin Min reported, adding that employees were observed wiping the machine surfaces and cleaning the floor,

One 39-year-old migrant worker told Shin Min that he works in Woodlands and returns the empty bottles and cans collected from his dormitory when he visits the supermarket for grocery shopping after work.

He said he visits the machine about twice a week with 200 cans each time.

As such, he is able to earn about S$160 a month from refunds.

Long wait, arguments

A staff member from a nearby supermarket machine told the Chinese paper that the Return Right machine is cleaned three to four times a week, likely from the high demand.

During the visit, the Shin Min reporter also observed that the ground near the machine was filled with straws, beverage packets and bottle caps.

Business owners nearby have observed customers in the queue having disputes with those in front of them when waiting times were too long.