Delhi may introduce a bottle deposit system charging an extra ₹1–₹2 that consumers can reclaim by returning used plastic bottles.
Delhi is preparing to introduce a Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) to encourage residents and tourists to return used plastic bottles for recycling, taking inspiration from similar initiatives in Uttarakhand and Goa.
Under the proposed scheme, consumers may pay an additional ₹1 or ₹2 when purchasing a plastic water bottle. The amount would be refunded when the empty bottle is returned to a designated collection point. QR codes may also be introduced to simplify the refund process.
Officials are considering launching the initiative as a pilot project at tourist destinations before expanding it across the national capital. The scheme aims to replace the “use and throw” habit with a “use, return and recover” approach creating a more organised system for plastic waste collection.
According to a Delhi government report, the capital generates approximately 1,500 tonnes of plastic waste every day of which around 19% remains unprocessed. The proposed initiative could help improve collection and recycling rates.
A meeting to discuss the scheme’s approval and implementation was held on October 6 under Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. The government sought suggestions from Dr Anthony De Sa, former chairman of the Goa Deposit Refund Scheme Authority, and Dr Ankur Kansal, chief environment officer of the Uttarakhand government.
Uttarakhand introduced its bottle-return scheme in Kedarnath in 2022 as a pilot initiative to manage waste generated by large numbers of tourists and pilgrims. According to Kansal, the bottle collection rate has risen from around 20–22% to nearly 90%. The state charges a refundable deposit of ₹10 per bottle, with variations depending on the size of the container.
Goa has also implemented a similar initiative, charging a refundable deposit of ₹5 on plastic bottles. Comparable systems are operating in countries such as Singapore Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.
Delhi officials are now preparing a formal draft of the scheme following consultations with stakeholders. The final deposit amount collection network and refund mechanism will be decided through the necessary approval process.
The government is also expected to involve schools colleges and Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) to raise awareness and encourage public participation.
The proposed scheme seeks to make bottle recycling more convenient while encouraging people to take greater responsibility for plastic waste and environmental protection.