---
title: "‘Fed up already’: Stompers complain about filthy and faulty Return Right machines, call for improvements"
url: "/stomping-ground/fed-already-stompers-complain-about-filthy-and-faulty-return-right-machines-call-improvements"
published: "2026-10-29T09:12:12.000Z"
updated: "2026-10-29T09:12:12.000Z"
section: "Stomping Ground"
authors: ["Fayyadhah Zainalabiden"]
tags: ["Stomping Ground","bcrs","return right","RECYCLING","refund"]
---

# ‘Fed up already’: Stompers complain about filthy and faulty Return Right machines, call for improvements

Welcome to Stomping Ground — a space where Stompers share reflections, personal essays and social commentaries that spark conversation and insight.

After the launch of the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS), people across Singapore were quick to start collecting bottles and cans for recycling to get the 10-cent refund.

Some even managed to collect and return so many that they raked more than $1,000 worth of refunds.

However, the experience has not been all that pleasant for everyone.

## Machine did not accept bottles due to ‘incorrect weight’

Stomper AC was trying to return two plastic bottles at the Return Right vending machine at the FairPrice outlet in Clarke Quay on the morning of Oct 22 when he encountered an error.

He said that the machine would not accept both his bottles as “the weight was incorrect”.

Curious about what that might mean, he peeked into the opening and noticed what looked like food scraps on the conveyor belt, which he guessed caused the weight issue.

![Stompers lament BCRS and Return Right machine issues](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/stomp/ef8dcd0d0e4d37a9a49533d8a4927ed10f77cadda97ff2685c4793697d8ff493)
*Stomper AC thinks that food scraps on the conveyor belt could affect the weight of the recyclable, which determines whether it gets accepted or rejected.*

“Looks like it was never cleaned before. Smells like rotten garbage,” remarked the Stomper.

Still hoping to get his refund, AC walked to the Cold Storage outlet at UE Square nearby, but saw that the machine was full and not accepting any bottles.

On a separate occasion, on Oct 29, AC went to the Return Right machine at his local FairPrice at Killiney to deposit some bottles when he found that it was “temporarily unavailable”.

![Stompers lament BCRS and Return Right machine issues](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/stomp/edc2a536e074bb901de173db7aef2295436d98f4ec7d57d4b5c718829370187c)
*AC wanted to deposit bottles, only to realise that the machine was “temporarily unavailable”.*

Feeling frustrated, he exclaimed: “Can we just scrap this BCRS scheme already?”

## Many instances where machines do not accept bottles

Meanwhile, Stomper Tommy shared his experience of getting bottles rejected by the Return Right machine multiple times.

He told Stomp: “The BCRS machine works only about 60 per cent of the time. I have encountered many instances where the machine does not accept the bottle and asks me to return it to a recycling bin.

“I’m writing in because I’m fed up with it already,” he said. He felt that there is “no other avenue provided” to receive the 10 cents refund in the event of a faulty barcode on the bottle.

Tommy claimed he had his bottle rejected at machines across various locations. Most of the time, the reason given was a damaged barcode. But when he checked the bottles, the barcodes appeared fine.

![Stompers lament BCRS and Return Right machine issues](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/stomp/02ce4db9a6fb0f751025b12a0536309cfefc0c47e56b563058537ff86ae3244f)
*Tommy claims he has had bottles rejected many times for “faulty barcodes”.*

When a bottle gets rejected, Tommy would simply toss it in a rubbish bin or recycling bin, depending on which one was nearest at the time.

“I buy three to four bottles a day and I encounter this issue almost every other day,” the Stomper lamented. “That amounts to a loss of about $4 a month. It’s not a lot, but it adds up. Really frustrating.”

## Users call for improvements to BCRS and Return Right machines

Despite the issues raised, AC stated that he would still deposit recyclable cans and bottles if it were convenient for him.

“But the whole process is very inconvenient and inefficient, so I am less likely to do it unless it is on the way for me,” he disclaimed.

He expressed his hope for the Return Right machines to be improved, or for the authorities to “think of a better solution for everyone”.

The sentiment was echoed by Tommy, who suggested additional avenues to obtain refunds: “Have an alternative platform which is convenient for refunding the deposit if the machine does not accept the bottle.”

Currently, users who encounter issues with receiving refunds may request for it via an online form.

Have your say on Stomping Ground! Write to us at stomp@sph.com.sg or WhatsApp 9384 3761.