Customer in S’pore warns of fake S$0.10 deposit stickers on cans, advises others to keep receipt

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Customer in Singapore warns about fake S$0.10 deposit stickers on drinks

As Singapore’s Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) enters full implementation on 1 Oct, consumers now also need to be vigilant when purchasing drinks.

On 30 Sept, a netizen went on Facebook to share their experience about a recent drink purchase as a “warning to others”.

The Original Poster (OP) claimed that some drinks have fake stickers so customers need to “be careful”.

Bought a drink with additional charge of S$0.10

In a post on Complaint Singapore on Facebook, the OP, referred as Mr Teo, said that he recently purchased a drink and was charged an additional S$0.10 for a container deposit by the retailer.

In a photo provided in the post, the drink that he bought, which was a Red Bull Energy Drink, had a sticker showing the ingredients, Nutri-Grade and the S$0.10 ‘SG Return’ logo.

However, the sticker did not show a barcode, which is typical of authorised stickers.

Source: Complaint Singapore on Facebook

Mr Teo bought the drink at Ang Mo Kio 407 Avenue 10, intending to recycle the drink after finishing it.

However, when he tried to return the can, he discovered that it was “not registered or recognised”.

This meant that he could not get his deposit back.

Sticker turns out to be fake

Mr Teo argued that since the retailer is collecting the S$0.10 deposit, consumers would “reasonably expect” that the container is eligible for the deposit refund.

In an exclusive with MS News, Mr Teo shared he went back to the retailer before he drank the beverage.

He told the retailer that the product doesn’t look like “legit” BCRS.

However, Mr Teo claimed that the retailer “rudely” pointed at the S$0.10 logo and said to him, “You don’t know how to see this is the recycle logo?”.

He then asked for a receipt before leaving.

Source: Complaint Singapore on Facebook

After this experience, Mr Teo learnt that the sticker version of the deposit mark is “no longer something [they] can simply trust”.

He stated in his post: “Just because there is a $0.10 deposit sticker on the drink does not necessarily mean you will be able to get your deposit back.”

Advises other customers to check carefully and keep receipts

As a warning, Mr Teo advised consumers to check the drinks carefully and keep the receipts after purchase.

This is to make sure the drink container is actually eligible for the S$0.10 refund, or a proof of purchase.

Source: Complaint Singapore on Facebook

He added, “It may only be 10 cents per drink, but imagine how much it adds up to if this happens to many consumers.”

“If I’m charged a $0.10 deposit, I should be able to get my $0.10 back.”

Speaking to MS News, Mr Teo shared that he had reported the issue to National Environment Agency (NEA).

The organisation had reached out to Mr Teo that BCRS will get in touch with him for the refund of the deposit.

BCRS has requested a recall of unregistered stock

In response to queries from MS News, a Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) spokesperson said that the drinks are not registered and carries an unapproved sticker.

According to its website, proper stickers should display both the logo and a barcode.

Source: BCRS

BCRS shared that they have contacted the producer concerned to take the necessary corrective actions.

Additionally, they are requesting a recall of the unregistered stock.

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

This option is provided for beverages with packaging artwork that cannot be modified to include the Deposit Mark or a new barcode.

However, to be recognised by the Return Right machines, these stickers must be procured through BCRS-appointed vendors and comply with the applicable Deposit Mark and barcode requirements.

If you encounter an uncrushed container carrying a Deposit Mark and intact barcode that is rejected by the Return Right machine, contact hi@returnright.sg.