Chennai: Preparations are in place to implement a new system regarding bottles for those purchasing liquor from TASMAC in Tamil Nadu. Under the proposed system, an additional Rs 10 will be charged from the customer while purchasing a liquor bottle and the same amount will be refunded on returning the empty bottle. Its objective is to prevent empty liquor bottles from being thrown on roads, public places and other areas and to recycle them systematically. According to reports, the new system is set to be launched in early October. However, all the details regarding its last date and entire operational process have not yet been revealed at the official level.
Why would Rs 10 be charged extra on the bottle?
TASMAC and Tamil Nadu government are working on implementing a new way of buying back empty liquor bottles. Under this, an amount of Rs 10 will be taken as a deposit. The customer will get this amount back when he returns the empty bottle. That means it won’t be a permanent increase in the price of alcohol in general, but rather a refundable deposit associated with returning the bottle.
Will you really get the full Rs 10 back if you return the bottle?
According to the information presented in the court by TASMAC, a provision has been made to refund an amount of Rs 10 to the customer who returns the empty bottle or the person who deposits it back. The government’s plan also calls for giving the responsibility of collection, transportation and recycling of bottles to liquor companies.
What does this scheme have to do with waste?
Questions have been raised regarding disposal of empty liquor bottles in Tamil Nadu for a long time. Concerns about damage to the environment have also come to light due to empty bottles being found scattered in hilly and tourist areas. For this reason, TASMAC had earlier started the system of taking back bottles in some areas. Now the government is preparing to implement it in a more systematic and technology-based manner.
Will the role of TASMAC employees change in the new arrangement?
This is an important part of this change. The government has told the court that the current system of collecting empty bottles and giving refunds puts additional work pressure on TASMAC employees. Delay in returning cash and problem of loose money also come to the fore. In the new scheme, there is a preparation to give the responsibility of bottle collection to the manufacturers and use technology.
Will machines also be installed to return bottles?
The government has told the Madras High Court that it plans to install around 4,000 reverse vending machines around TASMAC shops. It is proposed to give refund digitally after depositing empty bottles in these machines. This is expected to help in reducing cash transactions and keeping the entire process on record.
When will the new system start?
At present, there are reports of the system starting from the first week of October, but the official announcement of the final date and detailed SOP is awaited. The government has informed the High Court about implementing the entire scheme afresh. According to court records, TASMAC has also proposed to the government to make the additional cess of Rs 10 a part of the MRP. In such a situation, the most important thing for the customers will be to take the receipt at the time of purchase and understand the process of getting the amount on returning the bottle.
