Page 36 - Plastics News June 2026
P. 36
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
The Deposit Refund Scheme in India
n the recent times, consumer awareness of the proposed scheme, manufacturers regis-
around waste, recycling and circularity has ter on the designated state DRS portal, obtain
Igrown rapidly in the urban cities due to in- unique quick response (QR) codes for eligible
creasing environmental concerns, global expo- packaging and prepay the deposit amount into
sure the central escrow account. This is then tracked
and transferred across the supply
chain. Consumers pay the product
price plus a refundable deposit and
return used packages at collection
points for verification and refund
with real-time tracking available for
manufacturers and regulators.
It must be noted that the DRS mod-
els in Europe and Africa have im-
proved collection rates, reduced
litter, and supported tourism, while
reward-based adaptations have
emerged in the Middle East. The
process of implementation was not
seamless initially as they faced multiple chal-
As India moves towards its journey to sustain- lenges after the initial roll out like behavioural
able growth, it has taken decisive policy steps confusions from consumers, minor operational
to curb plastic pollution and promote circular challenges at retail and reverse vending ma-
economy. Building on this policy momentum, se- chines level however, they successfully imple-
lect states in India have introduced the Deposit mented it through a phased, systematic and a
Refund Scheme (DRS) as a mechanism to boost well-thought-out rollout.
collection rates and deepen consumer participa-
tion in recycling. Why is DRS gaining traction in India?
Understanding DRS in India and Globally India’s vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047
has strengthened sustainability policies includ-
To manage waste and promote circular econ- ing Plastic Waste Management Rules (PWMR)
omy, states like Goa have introduced DRS for 2016 and the Extended Producer Responsibility
non-biodegradable packaged goods, while (EPR), making Producers, Importers and Brand
Himachal Pradesh has notified a DRS and is in Owners (PIBOs) now accountable for the waste
the process of piloting/rolling it out. As a part which they put out in the environment. For ef-
38 PLASTICS NEWS June 2026
