Delhi plans bottle-return scheme, taking a cue from Uttarakhand and Goa

Delhi is contemplating a scheme to incentivize the return of used plastic bottles for recycling, drawing inspiration from successful initiatives in Uttarakhand and Goa. Under the proposed Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS), customers may have to pay an extra Re 1 or Rs 2 per bottle and receive the amount back upon returning it to a designated collection point.

The objective is to foster a structured system for managing plastic waste and shift the public away from the "use and throw" mentality to a more responsible "use, return, and recover" approach. The government is eyeing a pilot project in popular tourist spots before extending the scheme across Delhi. A proposed QR code system on bottles would facilitate consumers' claims for refunds.

The Delhi government reported that the city produces approximately 1,500 tonnes of plastic waste daily, with a substantial 19% remaining unprocessed. A ban on single-use plastics, including bottles and bags, was introduced nationwide in 2022. A meeting on October 6 saw consultations with experts from Uttarakhand and Goa, whose schemes are being examined as potential models.

The success of the DRS in Uttarakhand, where collection rates have soared from 20-22% to nearly 90% since its inception, and Goa, which introduced a Rs 5 deposit on plastic bottles in April, has caught Delhi's attention. Officials are currently finalizing the draft of the scheme, which includes deposit amounts, collection networks, and the refund mechanism.

Once approved, schools, colleges, and Residents’ Welfare Associations are set to play a key role in spreading awareness and encouraging public participation.