The Kerala government has announced a new “drink-and-return” scheme under which a ₹20 refundable deposit will be levied on every plastic liquor bottle starting this September. Announced by Excise Minister M. B. Rajesh, the initiative aims to encourage customers to return used bottles to the same BEVCO outlet—with labels intact—for a refund. The pilot will roll out first in Thiruvananthapuram, in collaboration with Clean Kerala Company, before expanding across the state.
Kerala consumes over 70 crore liquor bottles annually, of which nearly 80% (56 crore) are plastic. To curb this environmental strain, the scheme mandates that liquor bottles priced above ₹800 must use glass packaging, while cheaper brands may retain plastic only under the new deposit system.
Inspired by Tamil Nadu’s successful model, the project is being supported by BEVCO, the Excise Department, Suchitwa Mission, and private recyclers. Officials believe the move will significantly reduce litter and foster a culture of recycling—making every liquor buyer a participant in Kerala’s push for environmental responsibility.
