Deposit Return Scheme

Singapore has opened a new sorting facility as it prepares for the full rollout of its Deposit Return Scheme, under which consumers pay a small deposit on beverage containers that is refunded when containers are returned. The facility will handle collection and sorting of bottles and cans. Supporters see the scheme as a key step toward raising recycling rates and cutting waste in the city-state.

The Hawai'i Department of Health announced changes to its deposit beverage container program, which affects the redemption rates paid on bottles and cans returned under the state's recycling scheme. The update touches consumers, retailers and recyclers across the islands, though the department has not detailed the exact rate changes or their timing in the initial announcement.