BCRS operator aware of person allegedly depositing ineligible containers into Return Right machine - Mothership
All Return Right machines have digital transaction logs, 24-hour CCTV surveillance and fraud detection technology.
The Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) operator said it takes the deliberate manipulation of the machines and fraudulent claims seriously.
This was after a man was filmed scanning the barcode of a container repeatedly and returning other containers.
He repeated the process several times and successfully returned multiple cans.
A BCRS Ltd spokesperson told Mothership on Nov. 13 in response to media queries that itΒ is aware of the videos circulating online showing an individual depositing ineligible containers into a Return Right machine after scanning an eligible container bearing the 10-cent deposit mark.
"The 10-cent deposit refund is intended for eligible beverage containers returned through the Beverage Container Return Scheme," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added: "As the scheme operator, our priority is to ensure the system functions reliably and fairly for everyone.
"This includes validating refund claims and reconciling transaction records to guard against fraud, in accordance with our operating license."
The spokesperson emphasised that deliberate manipulation of the machines or fraudulent claims is taken seriously, as it undermines the trust of members of the public who are genuinely trying to recycle and return right.
In a separate reply to Mothership, an NEA spokesperson said the agency takes a serious view of any deliberate misuse of the Return Right machines under BCRS.
"We have reminded the scheme operator, BCRS Ltd., to take appropriate measures to safeguard the integrity of the scheme and address any deliberate misuse of the Return Right machines," the spokesperson said.
"NEA will continue to work with BCRS Ltd. to review the system and strengthen safeguards where necessary, so that the scheme operates as intended," the spokesperson added.
"We also urge the public to use the Return Right machines responsibly in support of our national recycling efforts."
The BCRS Ltd spokesperson added that it has since worked with Return Network Operators (RPNOs) to calibrate the Return Right machines to address the issue and will continue strengthening safeguards across the return network.
"We also regularly monitor data across our return network to detect any anomalous transaction patterns, and any fraudulent behaviour would be referred to the relevant authorities for investigation and appropriate action," the spokesperson said.
"We appreciate the community's vigilance and urge members of the public to report suspected misuse of Return Right machines directly to BCRS Ltd. Please continue using the machines as intended to support our national recycling effort."
