In June 2023, the Goa government was to pass a law to recover the cost of recycling of goods (plastic packaging PP, glass bottles, cans etc.) by compelling manufacturers to implement the Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS). The then Environmental Minister informed that an additional cost would be included in products sold in Goa. On returning the products, consumers would be refunded at designated collection centres.
In Goa, the DRS is likely to be implemented from April 1 (a significant day!). Reportedly, the scheme will start with the collection of PET and beer bottles/cans. Later, the DRS would include chips packets, juice cartons and even chocolate wrappers! Why burden the people with extra charges (Rs 2 to Rs 10) for the DRS? Several producers of FMCG and some political parties have protested against the DRS. If the DRS is doable, then more than the planned 300 collection centres are needed. Vending machines could be installed at vantage sites to return the materials and obtain the refund. The govt should clarify whether prices of loose items sold in PP would increase and where the PP should be returned. Prior to enforcing the DRS, it would help if a list of returnable goods and collection centres is published in the local newspapers.
In May 2022, a pilot DRS was launched at the pilgrimage places of Kedarnath and Char Dham (Uttarakhand), in Aug 2025 during the Mani Mahesh Yatra (Himachal Pradesh) and at Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh). Goa could also do the same along the beaches prior to mandating it in one stroke, across the State.
