In a move that blends sustainability with practical incentives, the Kerala government has announced a ₹20 refund scheme for returning empty liquor bottles. The pilot project will roll out in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur districts from September 2025.
Under this initiative, consumers will pay an additional ₹20 per bottle at purchase, which will be refunded upon returning the empty bottle to authorized collection centres. The scheme aims to reduce glass waste, prevent littering, and encourage recycling through a simple deposit-return system.
Officials explained that discarded bottles often cause environmental damage or are misused in public spaces. By attaching a refundable value to each bottle, the government hopes to change consumer behaviour and promote more responsible disposal practices.
The Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) and other liquor outlets are expected to be part of the collection network. To ensure success, awareness campaigns will also be launched to educate drinkers about the system and its environmental benefits.
If the pilot succeeds, the program could be expanded across the state, setting an example for other parts of India. Many countries already use such deposit-refund models with impressive results in boosting recycling and cutting waste.
This step positions Kerala as a leader in sustainable waste management, proving that the right incentives can align public responsibility with environmental conservation.
