To fight plastic pollution, the Kerala government is introducing a bottle return scheme for liquor bottles. Starting this September, customers buying alcohol from state-run Bevco outlets will have to pay an extra ₹20 deposit per bottle—plastic or glass. But this amount is refundable when the bottle is returned.
How It Works
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The ₹20 deposit will be applied during purchase.
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Customers will get the deposit back when they return the empty bottle to a Bevco outlet.
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Each bottle will carry a QR code to track returns and make refunds smoother.
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This is part of a pilot project beginning in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, in partnership with Clean Kerala Company.
Why This Move?
Kerala sells around 70 crore liquor bottles annually, and about 80% are plastic. These often end up littered on streets or in landfills. The initiative aims to encourage recycling and reduce waste.
Additional Measures
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Liquor priced above ₹800 will now be sold only in glass bottles to further reduce plastic usage.
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Kerala has taken inspiration from Tamil Nadu, where a similar program is already working well.
What’s Next?
On August 5, Kerala will also open its first-ever super premium Bevco outlet in Thrissur, selling imported liquors priced above ₹900. Similar premium outlets are planned for every district.
Excise Minister MB Rajesh said this initiative isn’t just about money—it’s about responsible drinking and protecting the environment.
