A user of Singapore’s Return Right reverse vending machine (RVM) was left frustrated on 21 June after their bottle was rejected due to a “damaged barcode”.
This was despite the bottle appearing to be in good condition.
In a post on the Complaint Singapore Facebook group, the Original Poster (OP) shared a video showing their attempt to return a beverage bottle via one of the machines under the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS).
The scheme allows consumers to receive a 10 cent refund for eligible beverage containers.
Source: Complaint Singapore on Facebook
According to the post, the RVM indicated that the bottle could not be accepted because of a damaged barcode.
However, the OP disputed the machine’s assessment, claiming that the bottle was free of defects.
“Pure stupidity. No damage or whatsoever. Washed and dried for two days. Detect say damaged barcode,” the OP said.
The OP also criticised the newly implemented BCRS.
“Not surprised if they implement this stupid BCRS purely to earn more [money],” they added.
Source: Complaint Singapore on Facebook
The video showed the OP attempting to insert a bottle into the machine, only for it to be rejected.
A message on the machine said: “We’re sorry, barcode is unreadable or damaged. Return this to any recycling bin near you. Remove and insert another container, or tap REFUND”.
In response to the post, other netizens shared their personal challenges with the RVMs.
One netizen agreed with the OP, sharing that the machine is always “full” when they try to use it.
Source: Facebook
Another commenter advised the OP to try with the bottle turned the other way, to which the OP said they did so several times but it still did not work.
Source: Facebook
The BCRS team has also reached out to the OP via the comment section, asking for more information so they can investigate the issue.
Source: Facebook
The OP, who wished to remain anonymous, told MS News that the recycling machine was located at Hougang RiverCourt’s Sheng Siong.
“It’s the first time I’ve tried using the machine, and I had already tried six times before recording the video,” the OP said.
“Out of the six times, I also tried putting the bottle the other way round.”
Source: Complaint Singapore on Facebook
The OP shared that they were annoyed with the fact that they were charged extra for the beverage, only for the refund to be denied by the machine.
They also said that they have replied to the BCRS team with the necessary information for their investigation.
In response to MS News’ queries, BCRS Ltd said it is aware of the issue and has reached out to the user for details of the transaction to assist with the investigation.
“We are still in the early days of the scheme, within the six-month transition phase, during which issues are being identified and progressively worked through,” BCRS Ltd said.
Members of the public who encounter issues with the return process are encouraged to submit their feedback at hi@returnright.sg or contact +65 6035 5882.
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Featured image adapted from Complaint Singapore on Facebook.