Return Empty Liquor Bottles and Get Paid — Government Makes Big Announcement
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a unique and eco-conscious initiative, the Kerala government will soon begin offering ₹20 cashback to customers who return empty liquor bottles. This new policy, aimed at curbing the rising problem of plastic and glass waste, is set to launch in September as a pilot project.
According to the Excise Department, the project will first roll out in the districts of Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur. Under the scheme, an additional ₹20 will be charged at the time of liquor purchase from Kerala State Beverages Corporation outlets. This amount will be fully refunded when customers return the empty bottle.
To streamline tracking and refunds, each bottle—whether plastic or glass—will be tagged with a QR code. This system is being introduced in collaboration with 'Clean Kerala Company', which will oversee the collection and recycling process.
The state currently sells approximately 700 million liquor bottles annually, with 80% of them made of plastic. Officials believe this move will help reduce litter on roads and encourage more responsible disposal habits among consumers. "This isn’t just about cleanliness, it’s about accountability. We're using technology and incentives to drive change," said a senior government official involved with the project.