{
  "id": 256315,
  "title": "Nerf gun bullet, slipper, underwear among litter in machines to collect recycleable bottles, cans",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/nerf-gun-bullet-slipper-underwear-among-litter-in-machines-to-collect",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-07T07:21:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/nerf-gun-bullet-slipper-underwear-among-litter-in-machines-to-collect-recycleable-bottles-cans"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a recent inspection of the island's reverse vending machines, various items of mischief were discovered among the roughly 5.5 million used bottles and cans collected since April. These included an umbrella, a Nerf gun bullet, a slipper, and even underwear. BCRS, the operator of the Beverage Container Return Scheme, emphasized the importance of caring for these machines to ensure they remain accessible and reliable for the community. Other unexpected finds included a plastic cup that jammed one machine's opening during routine maintenance. The operator did not disclose the exact proportion of litter relative to the collected containers, stating that such items are removed during maintenance. Under the scheme, consumers pay a 10-cent deposit for each canned or bottled beverage, which is refunded when the used containers are returned to the machines. Since April, over one million successful refunds have been made for the 5.5 million used containers dropped off. However, some residents have reported issues with receiving their refunds promptly or at all, with some bottles even being rejected due to customers lacking physical ez-link cards or DBS PayLah! wallets. BCRS has taken steps to improve the refund process, including extending the refund window period and making the \"Tap for Refund\" button more visible. The scheme is set to transition fully by October, with all bottles and cans required to display the 10-cent deposit logo. Currently, there are 1,200 machines across the island, with an additional 300 expected to be installed by April 2027.",
  "summary": "Singapore's reverse vending machines for collecting recyclable bottles and cans have encountered issues due to various forms of litter being placed inside them. An umbrella, a Nerf gun bullet, a slipper, and even underwear were among the unusual items found in these machines as of August 6. BCRS, the operator of the Beverage Container Return Scheme, emphasized that recycling is a shared responsibility and called for better care for these machines. The operator did not disclose the exact proportion of litter to the approximately 5.5 million used bottles and cans collected since April 1.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}