Bevco plans ₹20 'deposit' for plastic bottles; glass container for liqour above ₹800
In the first phase, the project will be implemented in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur in September.
In the first phase, the project will be implemented in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur in September.
In the first phase, the project will be implemented in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur in September.
Thiruvananthapuram: In an attempt to reduce the use of plastic bottles, the Benerages Corporation (Bevco) will charge an additional ₹20 per bottle at its outlets for liquor brands priced under ₹800, irrespective of the quantity bought.
If the bottle is returned to the same shop where it was bought, ₹20 will be refunded. If buyers cannot return the bottle to the same Bevco outlet where it was purchased, they will effectively end up paying an extra ₹20 for the liquor.
Local Self-Government Minister MB Rajesh told a press conference on Thursday that liquor priced above ₹800 will be sold in glass bottles. Those priced below that will be packged in plastic bottles.
"The government will take back those plastic bottles. Each bottle will have a QR code. This will be applicable to bottles of all sizes," the minister said and added that Tamil Nadu has successfully implemented the system.
"It is not currently practical to completely use only glass bottles. Bevco sells 70 crore liquor bottles annually, 80 per cent of which are plastic. In the first phase, the project will be implemented in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur in September, in collaboration with Green Kerala Company," Rajesh said. Then it will be expanded across state in January, 2026, he added.