Key Development 

In a significant move to tackle environmental pollution and protect public health, the Kerala government is launching a bottle buyback scheme for liquor bottles sold through Bevco outlets. This deposit-return initiative, aimed at promoting cleaner surroundings and safer food environments, will roll out as a pilot project in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur this September.

₹20 Refundable Deposit for Every Bottle

Under the new system, consumers will pay an extra ₹20 as a deposit for each liquor bottle—whether glass or plastic—at the time of purchase. Customers can return the empty bottles to the same outlet and receive a refund after scanning the QR code on the bottle. The government aims to reduce littering of used bottles, which often end up contaminating soil, water sources, and public food spaces. Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh said the initiative targets the 56 crore plastic bottles sold annually through Bevco, which are a major contributor to non-biodegradable waste in Kerala. Improperly discarded bottles not only damage the ecosystem but also pose indirect risks to food safety by polluting agricultural fields and water used in food preparation.

Clean Kerala Company to Oversee Recycling

The Clean Kerala Company Ltd (CKCL) will manage logistics, collection, and recycling of returned bottles. This coordinated effort ensures that bottles do not re-enter the environment as harmful waste, supporting the larger goal of maintaining hygienic public spaces and safer food environments. In a complementary step, the state has mandated that all liquor priced above ₹800 must be sold in glass bottles only. This shift further aligns with Kerala’s commitment to reduce plastic usage, especially in products that impact public consumption zones.

Pilot Today, Statewide Tomorrow

The bottle buyback scheme will roll out across the state next year based on the success of the pilot. With Tamil Nadu already seeing positive results from a similar model, Kerala hopes to replicate that success and integrate it into its broader waste and food safety management strategy.

Source: Deccan Herald 

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