{
  "id": 4825150,
  "title": "S'pore man, 53, collects discarded cans & bottles, says he's earned over S$1,000 in refunds in almost 2 months",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/spore-man-53-collects-discarded-cans-bottles-says-hes-earned-over-s-1",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T19:11:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mothership",
    "slug": "mothership",
    "url": "https://mothership.sg/2026/08/man-collect-bcrs-refund/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A 53-year-old Singaporean man has amassed more than S$1,000 in refunds within roughly two months by collecting discarded drink cans and bottles under the country's Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS). This scheme, introduced in April 2026, requires consumers to pay an extra 10 cents for each beverage container bearing its logo. Refunds are granted when the empty containers are returned to designated Return Right machines.\n\nIn an interview with 8world, the man, who commutes near Amoy Street Food Centre, explained that he cycles around the locality after work to gather abandoned cans and bottles. He frequently searches in Geylang and Tanjong Pagar, areas known for higher nighttime drinking activity. He noted that some individuals leave their empty cans near rubbish bins after finishing their drinks.\n\nOn the day of the interview, he estimated he had collected approximately 100 bottles and cans. He typically earns between S$10 and S$20 daily in refunds, which are directly credited to his EZ-Link card. Even on weekends, he sometimes collects bottles and cans up to three times a day. After nearly two months of collecting, the refunds credited to his EZ-Link card have surpassed S$1,000.\n\nOther individuals 8world spoke with provided various reasons for collecting cans and depositing them, such as assisting older individuals who may lack the necessary app to participate in the scheme.",
  "summary": "He said he typically earns between S$10 and S$20 in refunds a day.",
  "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."
}