{
  "id": 19320123,
  "title": "Man at BCRS machine repeatedly scans barcode of 1 can, sparks concerns about cheating the system",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/man-at-bcrs-machine-repeatedly-scans-barcode-of-1-can-sparks-concerns",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-10T11:02:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mothership",
    "slug": "mothership",
    "url": "https://mothership.sg/2026/11/man-scan-can-repeatedly-bcrs-machine/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Singapore, a man was captured on video returning cans at a Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) machine using an unusual method, sparking debates about potential cheating. The video showed the man pulling out cans from a large garbage bag, scanning one can's barcode, and withdrawing it after the machine turned blue, indicating acceptance. He then inserted a different can into the machine and repeated this process multiple times, successfully returning several cans. The BCRS Return Right machine offers a 10 cent refund for eligible drink containers bearing the BCRS logo. It remains unclear if the cans the man returned had this logo. The video garnered 2.4 million views on Facebook and over 450,000 on TikTok, with many commenters speculating that he was cheating the system. However, some argued that he was merely using a loophole to expedite the process instead of abusing it. Others believed that the man was recycling cans, contributing to the scheme's objective of cleanliness and environmental benefit.",
  "summary": "He could be using this method to quicken the process, some argued.",
  "key_points": [
    "Singapore man caught on video cheating BCRS machine",
    "Repeatedly scanned barcode of one can multiple times",
    "Sparked debates about potential system abuse"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This loophole in the beverage return process highlights a vulnerability in automated recycling systems that allows users to bypass standard scanning protocols to expedite their refunds.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}