Bevco’s Bottle Buyback Scheme Sees Rapid Returns, Faces Initial Hurdles

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Beverages Corporation (Bevco) witnessed a swift return of plastic liquor bottles on the inaugural day of its ambitious deposit-refund scheme. Under this initiative, customers receive a 20-rupee deposit refund upon returning empty plastic bottles to the same outlet where they were purchased. However, the scheme, intended to promote environmental responsibility, was immediately met with a mix of enthusiastic participation and operational challenges, with quarter bottles (180 ml) forming the majority of returns.

Several issues marred the first day of the pilot project, which commenced in 10 outlets each in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur districts. The most significant problem was the absence of pre-printed receipts for the 20-rupee deposit at many outlets, leading to disputes between staff and customers. Bevco has since assured that these receipts would be dispatched to the outlets.

Consumer behavior also presented unexpected challenges. Reports indicate a noticeable increase in individuals consuming liquor immediately around the Bevco outlets to quickly return their empty bottles. Some customers were observed purchasing liquor right after outlets opened at 9 AM and returning with empty bottles within minutes. In more extreme instances, patrons were seen breaking open newly purchased bottles, transferring the contents into a bottle they brought from home, and then returning the empty purchased bottle to claim their 20 rupees.

Adding to the operational difficulties, the promised dedicated counters for bottle collection and the deployment of Kudumbashree workers to manage the process did not materialize. Instead, existing billing counters were used for returns, forcing staff to affix labels on returned bottles during peak hours, causing significant delays and inconvenience. For example, the Powerhouse Road outlet in Thiruvananthapuram, a high-volume sales point, recorded 400 bottle returns by 7 PM on Wednesday, predominantly quarter bottles.

Customers also voiced concerns regarding the scheme’s practicality. The stipulation that bottles must be returned to the exact outlet of purchase is proving cumbersome, with many questioning the feasibility of retaining an empty bottle for an extended period and then making a special trip back to the same specific outlet for a mere 20 rupees. Critics argue that this condition effectively inflates the price of liquor by 20 rupees in participating outlets, as the refund mechanism is not universally accessible across all purchase points for a single consumer. The initial day thus highlighted a blend of public engagement and the need for significant operational refinements to ensure the scheme’s long-term success and environmental impact.