350 collection centres promised in phase 1; unclaimed deposits to fund waste system
MAPUSA
With the rollout of the Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) just a little over a month away, Chairman of the Goa DRS Administrative Committee, Anthony de Sa, has sought to allay public concerns, clarifying that the scheme is not a price hike mechanism but an environmental initiative aimed at scientific waste management.
Speaking to The Goan, De Sa said the DRS will be implemented in phases beginning April 1.
In the first phase, the scheme will focus on the collection of alcoholic beverage containers. Subsequently, it will be expanded to include other categories of non-biodegradable packaging.
“The scheme is scheduled to start from April 1 and will be rolled out in phases. Initially, the focus will be on alcoholic beverages and later it will cover other non-biodegradable packaging,” he said.
No price hike, only refundable deposit
Addressing one of the key concerns – whether consumers would have to pay above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) – De Sa clarified that the additional amount is not part of the product price but a refundable deposit.
“There is no legal hitch. It has been clarified that the deposit is not part of the price. It is a refundable deposit which will be returned to the consumer on bringing back the used packaging,” he said.
He stressed that the scheme will not increase the actual cost of products.
“It will not raise the cost because whatever is there is not a charge but a refundable deposit. It is only a deposit which will be refunded on return of the item,” he explained.
Under the DRS model, consumers will pay a small deposit at the time of purchase, which they can reclaim by returning the empty container at designated collection centres.
350 collection centres in first phase
To facilitate smooth implementation, De Sa said collection centres will be established before the scheme comes into force.
The first phase will see 350 collection centres set up across Goa, with the number expected to increase to 500 within two years.
“There will be more centres in densely populated areas. But every village will have at least one collection centre,” he assured, dismissing fears of inconvenience.
He also stated that the number of collection points will not be limited and that adequate infrastructure will be created to prevent crowding or logistical issues.
Addressing public concerns
The scheme has drawn mixed reactions from consumers and stakeholders, particularly over issues such as paying above MRP and the availability of collection facilities.
De Sa said the committee has been engaging in awareness campaigns and consultations to address misunderstandings.
“We have been carrying out awareness programmes among different stakeholders and this is an ongoing process. We have responded to concerns and are working to sort out any issues that have come up,” he said.
What about unclaimed deposits?
On concerns that many consumers may not bother to claim their refunds due to inconvenience, De Sa said unredeemed deposits will not go to waste.
“The unredeemed deposits will be used to strengthen the waste management system in villages and other places,” he said, adding that the funds would be channelled towards improving local waste infrastructure.
‘Not a scam, but an environmental policy’
Rejecting allegations circulating in some quarters that the DRS could be misused, De Sa asserted that the initiative is a government policy aimed at environmental protection.
“The scheme is not at all a scam. It is a policy of the government where non-biodegradable items will be collected and disposed of scientifically. This will help maintain the ecology and environment,” he said.
The Deposit Refund Scheme is part of the State’s broader push to improve solid waste management and reduce littering of plastic and glass packaging, especially in coastal and tourism-heavy areas.
