PUBLISHED ONBYSean LerActs of deliberate manipulation and fraudulent claims will be taken seriously, said the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS)'s operator on Friday (Nov 13).
The operator said it is aware of the videos circulating online, showing a man purportedly making multiple transactions at a Return Right reverse vending machine — by repeatedly scanning an eligible container — while placing in other containers.
The scheme's operator, BCRS Limited, reiterated that the 10-cent deposit refund is intended for eligible beverage containers returned through the scheme.
"As the scheme's operator, our priority is to ensure that the system functions reliably and fairly for everyone. This includes validating refund claims and reconciling records to guard against fraud," it said.
Explaining why acts of deliberate manipulation and fraudulent claims are taken seriously, BCRS said the trust of members of the public who are genuinely trying to recycle and return right should not be undermined.
It has since worked with its operators to calibrate the Return Right machines to address the issue.
"(We) will continue strengthening safeguards across the return network to protect the integrity of the scheme," BCRS added.
The operator also reminded members of the public that Return Right machines are equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance, digital transaction logs, and fraud detection technology.
It added that data across its return network is regularly monitored and reviewed to detect abnormal transaction patterns.
"Any fraudulent behaviour would be referred to the relevant authorities for investigation and appropriate action."
BCRS went into full swing on Oct 1, following a six-month transition period that began on April 1.
In response to a parliamentary question on incidents of people rummaging through refuse bins for empty drink containers surfaced online, Sustainability and the Environment Minister Grace Fu said members of the public are discouraged from rummaging through refuse bins for empty drinks containers, regardless of whether the act causes any public hygiene issue.
Fu noted that even before BCRS was introduced, the National Environment Agency (NEA) would occasionally receive feedback on individuals rummaging through refuse bins, adding that the agency focuses first on public education to promote good hygiene practices.
And when such actions are detected, the agency takes a calibrated approach in determining whether enforcement action will be taken, she said.
"Where individuals are found rummaging through public refuse bins without leaving litter on the ground, our officers may provide an advisory."
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