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Key Points

Kerala is rolling out a deposit-return scheme for liquor bottles to combat plastic pollution. Customers will pay Rs 20 extra per bottle, refundable upon return. The pilot starts in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur this September. The move aims to reduce the 56 crore plastic bottles Bevco sells annually. The state is also opening premium liquor outlets with glass-only packaging.

Key Points: Kerala Launches Bevco Liquor Bottle Deposit Scheme to Cut Plastic Waste

  • Rs 20 deposit on liquor bottles to encourage returns
  • Pilot begins in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur in September
  • Over 70 crore liquor bottles sold annually through Bevco
  • Scheme follows Tamil Nadu's successful deposit-return model
2 min read

Kerala to roll out liquor bottle deposit-return scheme through Bevco; pilot to begin in September

Kerala introduces Rs 20 deposit-return scheme for liquor bottles via Bevco to boost recycling. Pilot starts in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur this September.

"The system is intended to reduce littering by incentivising customers to return used bottles. It is a significant step towards strengthening Kerala's waste management strategy. – MB Rajesh"

Thiruvanthapuram, August 1

In a major step towards tackling the plastic menace, the Kerala government is set to introduce a deposit-return scheme for liquor bottles sold through the Beverages Corporation (Bevco). The initiative, aimed at encouraging recycling and reducing environmental pollution, will be launched on a pilot basis in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur this September.

As part of the scheme, Rs 20 will be collected as a deposit for each liquor bottle, both plastic and glass at the time of purchase. Consumers can return these QR code-enabled bottles to the same outlet and get the deposit refunded.

Highlighting the scale of the issue, Excise Minister MB Rajesh said that over 70 crore liquor bottles are sold annually through Bevco, out of which 56 crore are plastic bottles, a major contributor to non-biodegradable waste in the state.

Minister M. B. Rajesh, announcing the move on Thursday, said that a similar scheme had already been successfully implemented in Tamil Nadu. "The system is intended to reduce littering by incentivising customers to return used bottles. It is a significant step towards strengthening Kerala's waste management strategy," he said.

The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Clean Kerala Company Ltd (CKCL), which will oversee logistics, processing, and recycling of the returned bottles.

In addition, the minister also announced that Bevco's first-ever super premium outlet will begin operations in Thrissur on August 5. The outlet, spread across 4,000 sq ft, will stock premium liquor brands priced above Rs 900. MB Rajesh added that four more such outlets will be launched soon. Importantly, liquor priced above Rs 800 will be sold only in glass bottles, as part of the state's efforts to reduce plastic use.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative but implementation will be key. Bevco outlets are always crowded - will they have separate counters for returns? Also what about people who buy from bars? Will they get the deposit back?
A
Arjun K
70 crore bottles annually?! Shocking numbers 😳 No wonder our beaches and roadsides are filled with liquor bottles. This scheme is much needed. Hope people cooperate for cleaner Kerala!
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Sarah B
As an expat living in Kochi, I'm impressed by Kerala's progressive policies. The super premium outlets sound interesting too - will help boost tourism. But shouldn't the focus be more on reducing alcohol consumption overall?
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Vikram M
Typical Kerala - making liquor more expensive under the guise of environmentalism! Rs 20 deposit per bottle means Rs 200 extra for a carton. This will just encourage more illicit liquor trade.
K
Kavya N
Great move! But government should also think about the ragpickers who depend on bottle collection. Maybe involve them formally in the return system? They're the real recycling heroes of our cities.

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