To combat the environmental hazards caused by discarded liquor bottles, the Kerala government has unveiled a new bottle return scheme with a refundable deposit of ₹20 per bottle.
Excise Minister M. B. Rajesh announced that all liquor bottles will carry QR code stickers, allowing customers to reclaim the ₹20 deposit by returning the empty bottles to the original point of purchase. The amount will be refunded after the QR code is scanned to verify the return.
This eco-conscious initiative will launch on a pilot basis in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur starting September, with plans for statewide implementation next year.
In another sustainability measure, the minister stated that liquor priced above ₹800 will be sold exclusively in glass bottles, promoting recyclable packaging and discouraging plastic use.
The program not only aims to reduce littering but also encourages consumer responsibility through financial incentive. By combining technology, regulation, and public cooperation, the government hopes to curb bottle dumping and improve environmental cleanliness across the state.
The plan marks a significant step in Kerala’s broader push toward greener, more accountable alcohol distribution practices, aligning public health, environmental sustainability, and digital tracking.