The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to fully implement the liquor bottle buyback scheme across all districts by November 30, 2025.
Under the scheme, customers pay an extra ₹10 on each liquor bottle at TASMAC outlets. This amount is refunded when the empty bottle is returned to the shop. The move is part of efforts to comply with solid waste management rules.
So far, the scheme is running in 17 districts completely and partially in 7 districts. Between January and August 2025, 113.81 crore bottles were sold in these districts. Of these, 71.39 crore bottles were returned via TASMAC outlets and 40.62 crore through bars.
TASMAC collected about ₹1,138.14 crore through the scheme, of which ₹1,120.28 crore has already been refunded to customers, while around ₹17.86 crore remains unclaimed.
The court has also asked TASMAC to work with liquor manufacturers to take back the used bottles, as required under waste management rules. The next progress report is due by October 10.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, the High Court suggested that the Tamil Nadu government study how other countries deal with rabies-infected dogs. This came during the hearing of a petition on dog bite incidents and the presence of aggressive breeds in public places. The matter has been referred to the Supreme Court, following its earlier directions on dog menace cases.
