Wed Dec 17 15:24:21 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Beverages Corporation Launches Tender for State-Wide Bottle Deposit Refund Scheme
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, December 17, 2025 – The Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) has announced a major initiative to combat environmental pollution by launching a tender for the implementation of a Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) across the state. The move comes as Bevco, which supplies nearly 54 crore bottles of liquor annually, seeks to address the growing problem of bottle waste accumulation.
The tender invites agencies to bid for setting up automated bottle collection machines at Bevco outlets. The State government has already approved a ₹20 deposit on each liquor bottle, refundable upon its return. A pilot program for the buy-back scheme was initially rolled out on September 10 in 10 outlets each in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur districts.
The selected agency will be allotted space for automated bottle collection machines, with a hybrid system incorporating both automated and manned operation. The DRS will encompass all Bevco, Consumerfed, and newly licensed outlets.
A QR code system will track bottle sales and returns, enabling customers to redeem their deposits at any outlet across Kerala within 365 days of purchase. Deposits remaining unredeemed after this period will be forfeited. The agency will be responsible for daily bottle collection and disposal in compliance with pollution control guidelines.
The deadline for tender submissions is December 29th at 5 p.m., with the opening scheduled for December 30th at 11 a.m. This initiative marks a significant step towards environmental sustainability in Kerala’s liquor industry.
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