Goa plans deposit refund scheme to boost packaging recovery
Goa is set to introduce a deposit refund scheme to improve recovery of plastic, glass, and metal containers and reduce waste across the state
07 Apr 2026 | By Sai Deepthi
The Goa government is planning to introduce a deposit refund scheme (DRS) aimed at improving the collection and recycling of beverage containers across the state.
DRS is a system in which consumers pay a refundable deposit on packaging at the time of purchase, which is returned when the empty container is brought back to a designated collection point. The approach is designed to align consumer behaviour, producer responsibility, and government oversight to improve recycling rates and reduce litter.
Under the proposed model, a deposit—expected to range between INR 2 and INR 10 depending on the size and material—will be applied to plastic, glass, and metal beverage containers. The amount will be refunded upon return of the used packaging.
The initiative comes as Goa faces increasing waste management challenges driven by tourism, urbanisation, and higher consumption of packaged beverages. By introducing a financial incentive, the government aims to create a more circular system in which containers are returned, recycled, and reused rather than discarded.
According to news reports, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the scheme, which targets a 100% recovery rate for beverage containers, will initially be introduced as a pilot focused on glass bottles. He added that the excise industry has indicated its readiness to support the collection of liquor bottles.
Sawant also highlighted the financial burden of waste management, noting that the Goa Waste Management Corporation spends more than Rs 600-crore annually on garbage management. He said awareness campaigns and stakeholder consultations will be carried out before implementation, including presentations at panchayat and municipal levels.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move. Vinsak said the initiative represents a practical step towards building a circular packaging ecosystem. The company added that deposit-based systems make recycling more accessible and effective by directly incentivising consumers.
If executed effectively, Goa could become one of the first Indian states to adopt a full deposit-return system similar to those in several European markets, where such models have significantly improved recycling rates.