Man buys drinks from AMK shop, can't get 10¢ deposit back as sticker on can unapproved

A consumer complained that he was unable to receive a 10-cent refund as the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) sticker on his drink container was not legitimate.

He took to Facebook to share his issue on Sep. 29, 2026.

Paid 10 cents more per can

He said he bought two cans of Red Bull from a shop in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 on Sep. 29.

He was charged 10 cents more per can.

On his receipt, the extra 20 cents was listed as "BCRS deposit".

However, he could not get a refund from the Return Right machine subsequently.

He wrote on social media: "I discovered that the container/ deposit mark was not registered or recognised, which meant I could not get my deposit back."

He added: "If a retailer is collecting the $0.10 deposit, consumers should reasonably expect that the container is eligible for a refund under the official deposit return system."

According to a photo of the beverage cans he took, a 10-cent refund logo was present, but there was no deposit mark or barcode.

The man informed the National Environment Agency (NEA) about the issue.

He also urged consumers to always ask for a receipt when making purchases.

BCRS Ltd response

In response to media queries, a BCRS Ltd spokesperson told Mothership that the drinks in this case have not been registered and carried an unapproved sticker.

They are not approved for a deposit refund as a result.

"We have contacted the producer concerned to take the necessary corrective actions, including requesting a recall of the unregistered stock," the spokesperson added.

Stickers on cans allowed

Under the scheme, BCRS-approved deposit mark stickers are an accepted form of labelling for registered products.

The sticker can be pasted on beverages with packaging artwork that cannot be modified to include the deposit mark and/ or a new barcode.

However, stickers must be procured through BCRS-appointed vendors and comply with the applicable deposit mark and barcode requirements, the spokesperson said.

A Return Right machine will reject a stickered container if the product does not carry the required deposit mark and a barcode registered with BCRS Ltd.

Consumers who encounter an uncrushed container carrying a deposit mark and intact barcode that is rejected by the Return Right machine can contact [email protected] for assistance.

A clear photo of the product, barcode, and purchase location should be provided.