Income Insurance and the World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore have joined forces to launch Eco Dabao, Singapore’s first return-and-reuse multi-location programme for takeaway food and drink containers in the Central Business District.
The initiative encourages CBD workers and visitors to opt for reusable alternatives instead of single use takeaway food and beverage containers. There are no deposits or subscription fees required to borrow the returnable containers from Muuse. The programme is funded by Income Insurance as its anchor partner, while Muuse manages the reuse system, including the technology, logistics and washing operations.
According to the National Environment Agency, Singapore discards around 265,000 tonnes of disposable items in domestic waste annually. These include carrier bags, takeaway containers and cutlery. By using returnable containers and cups, the initiative aims to reduce the amount of single use waste sent to landfill, cut down on plastic pollution in oceans, and lower the resources needed to produce new containers repeatedly. Eco Dabao aims to avoid over 10,000 singlle-use disposables over the five month pilot.
Five properties in Singapore’s CBD, namely Bank of Singapore, One Raffles Place, OCBC Centre, Republic Plaza and UOB Plaza 2, now allow members of the public to return reusable containers via Smart Return Stations at designated collection points.
Participating F&B outlets include Cedele, Cha Re Re, Greendot, Patrons’ at One Raffles Place, Patron’s Box at One Raffles Quay, Poke Theory, Souperstar, The Backyard Bakers and Upshot Coffee.
Working alongside incentive partners foodpanda, Kopitiam, Yindii, KFC and Prefer Coffee, as well as reuse partner Muuse, the five-month pilot programme will help Income Insurance and WWF-Singapore gather insights into user behaviour, return patterns and system adoption. The findings will be used to refine and scale the reuse system more effectively across Singapore. There are also plans to increase the number of participating F&B vendors to 15 by July.
Users can unlock rewards on their 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th returns. These include S$2 discount vouchers from Kopitiam, KFC and Yindii, a 10% discount voucher from Prefer Coffee, as well as 50% off a first order with foodpanda and 20% off a 1 month pandapro plan for new foodpanda users.
How to use this service?
When placing an order on foodpanda, users can opt for a returnable container directly from the menu. This option is currently available for pick up orders only.
For both dine in and takeaway customers, simply order from any participating F&B outlet and choose a returnable container option. Scan the QR code on the container using your mobile device to register or log in, then start collecting rewards.
After finishing your meal, return the container at any Smart Return Station by scanning it at the station. There is no need to wash or clean the containers before returning them, though users are encouraged to empty any remaining food or liquid to minimise odours and pests. Rewards will be credited once the return is successfully completed.