Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Town Council says conservancy workers depositing drink containers at BCRS machine were off-duty

A recent TikTok video has sparked controversy after showing two conservancy workers placing beverage cans and bottles into Return Right machines, prompting concerns about their eligibility to receive refund money. The Beverage Container Return Scheme, which aims to reduce waste and encourage recycling, has faced criticism over issues such as hygiene and whether individuals are permitted to take beverage containers from rubbish bins.

The Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Town Council addressed the issue in a Facebook post on November 1, clarifying that the workers were depositing containers from their own purchases or gifts received from residents. They also mentioned that the workers were doing so after their working hours. The Town Council emphasized that the workers are not allowed to rummage through refuse or recycling bins to retrieve recyclable beverage containers, as doing so would be illegal for everyone.

Last month, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu reiterated in Parliament that such actions would be against the law. The Town Council reminded conservancy workers to adhere to the Town Council's operational guidelines and advised them not to wear their work uniforms outside working hours when using the Refund Right machines to prevent any misunderstanding that they are acting in their capacity as Town Council-appointed workers.

Despite the Town Council's assurances, residents expressed mixed feelings about the situation, with some questioning the legality of the workers' actions.