Delhi government is planning to launch a plastic bottle return scheme. Under this scheme, used plastic bottles will be recycled. The government will encourage returning plastic bottles and provide a reward or cashback on them. This scheme is being implemented after taking guidance from Uttarakhand and Goa states, in which this scheme has already become successful.
According to the Indian Express, consumers have to pay an extra one to two rupees at the time of water bottle purchase. If they give back this bottle within a specific time, then they will get this amount back. These bottles will be returned to the bottle collection points.
Delhi Plans Plastic Bottle Return Scheme
The main purpose behind the launch of the Delhi Plastic Bottle Return Scheme is to encourage collecting plastic garbage. This scheme comes under the Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS). The government is starting to make an organised system so people will learn to use and return the model instead of use and throw. When they collect their plastic bottles and return them to the collection centres, they help to decrease the plastic waste and also get 1 to 2 rupees cashback.
According to officials, the government is planning to implement this scheme firstly in the tourist areas. They will not implement this scheme all over Delhi in 1st pahse. Initially, they will see the response in the Delhi tourist areas and then go for the next phase. Under this system, QR Codes will be implemented on each bottle so customers can easily return their bottles and claim their refund.
According to Delhi government data, Delhi produces 1500 tons of waste energy per day. Out of this 19% waste is remain unprosessed. Single-use plastic, like bottles and plastic bags are larwady nbanned in indian form 2022. For the successful implementation of this scheme and future planning, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa organised a meeting on 6th October. Suggestions were sought from the Goa Deposit Refund Scheme Authority Chairman, Dr Anthony De Sa and Dr Ankur Kansal, Chief Environment Officer of the Uttarakhand Government.
Scheme inspired by Uttarakhand and Goa
After the implementation of this scheme in Uttarakhand, the plastic return rate was 20 to 22% in the initial days. Now, after some time, it has increased to 90%. They give 10 Rupes on the deposit of bottle and it is depanded upeon the size of bottle or can. It is depand upeon the nature and size of bottle.
This scheme got a very good response in Uttarakhand when implemented in Kedarnath as a pilot project. This will target tourists and pilgrims. After this, this scheme was spread in other areas of the state. The same scheme is also implemented in Goa, in which customers get Rs 5 on the deposit of each bottle. A similar type of scheme is also implemented in other countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom. In these countries if your retuen any beverage bottle, then you will get a financial incentive.
Future of this scheme
According to officials, after consulting with the stakeholders, the government will prepare a formal draft. Before the implementation of Delhi Plastic Bottle Return Scheme, this will get final approval.
Officials said all the formalities, like the deposit amount, collection networks and return mechanism, are not yet finalised. When the framework is prepared, then the government will encourage Schools, colleges, and residents’ welfare associations to participate in this initiative. This will also help to spread awareness about this initiative. This will help to conserve the environment.
Benefits of Plastic Bottle Return Scheme
- This is a very big initiative started by the Delhi government to make Delhi Neat and clean. This is a small step, but over a long period of time, these small steps make big changes.
- This scheme helps to protect our environment and Rivers. Most of the platic waster is goes into the landfills and rivers. So these are polluted day by day. After the implementation of plastic bottle collection machines, it reduces the plastic waste in our environment.
- This will help spread awareness about using and throwing away plastic. In Indian Mostley pople use platc bottle and throw into the garbage. With this scheme, the government encourages a culture of use and return in public.
- In the initial phase, these collection machines are implemented in the tourist destinations of Delhi. After that, it will go to other areas of Delhi. The government also plans to implement this in schools, colleges, and residential societies.
- Bottles came with QR Code so on each bottle retuen your will get 1 to 2 rupees back. How this amount will be given to consumers, like cashback or a coupon, is not clear yet.
- This scheme helps to promote plastic recycling. When the public knows they get money by submitting their empty bottles, they do not throw them into the garbage.
- Every day, Delhi produces 1,500 tons of plastic waste. Most of it is recycled, but 19% remains unprocessed and goes to the landfills. When the plastic bottles go to the machines, it will reduce the unprocessed plastic waste.