‘Cheating? Is this legal?’ — Man repeatedly scans barcode of same beverage can at BCRS machine, sparking debate over earning refunds on multiple cans in SG

SINGAPORE: A video of a man returning empty beverage cans at a Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) machine has sparked a debate about recycling and refunds.

The footage shows the man scanning one can, withdrawing it after the machine accepts its barcode, then inserting another can. He repeats the process several times while working through a large bag of containers.

The Facebook video attracted over 2 million views. Its TikTok version also passed 500,000 views since Nov 9, with viewers questioning whether the method was cheating, although the exact location of the machine wasn't identified.

Some Singaporeans defend the recycling shortcut

Despite the cheating accusations, some commenters also defended the man, suggesting he had found a practical way around scanning difficulties.

Others believed his cans might have dented barcodes that the machine struggled to read. Using one can with an easily scanned barcode could help him process the rest without repeatedly adjusting each container.

One Facebook commenter also pointed out that cans sometimes need to be rotated into the correct position before their barcodes can be read.

Others also described the technique as an efficient way to avoid holding up people waiting behind him. The reaction was far from unanimous, but many felt the man deserved credit rather than criticism.

Does recycling automatically qualify for a refund?

The BCRS Return Right machine offers a 10-cent refund for eligible drink containers carrying the BCRS logo.

However, the video doesn't establish whether every can the man returned bore the required label. It also doesn't establish whether the machine issued refunds for each container.

Some commenters felt the main purpose had been achieved because the cans were collected for recycling, regardless of whether they qualified for refunds.

Others urged viewers to leave the man alone, pointing out the effort required to keep their estate clean.

There is a difference between making recycling easier and claiming refunds without meeting the scheme's requirements. The way forward is to return eligible containers and let the machine verify each one properly.

Migrant workers earn up to S$160 monthly from recycling refunds

In a related story last month, migrant workers in Singapore were turning empty drink bottles and beverage cans into extra income. Some reportedly earned between S$150 and S$160 a month through deposit refunds.

Photo: Nick Karean/AI illustration · Based on actual image/footage

Migrant workers queue at Woodlands Recreation Centre to return bottles and cans in Singapore

Read related: Migrant workers in Singapore earn up to S$160/month from BCRS refunds as they queue at Woodlands Recreation Centre