Sirsa explores ‘deposit return scheme’ to tackle non- biodegradable waste

New Delhi: Delhi govt is exploring a ‘deposit return scheme’ to deal with non-biodegradable waste, environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has said, and asked the environment department to conduct a detailed feasibility study for its implementation in the city.

It is an incentive-based system under which a small, fully refundable deposit is added to the price of certain non-biodegradable items, such as plastic bottles and packages, at the time of purchase. Consumers can reclaim this deposit by returning the empty items to designated collection points like shops or recycling centres.

“This encourages proper segregation, collection and recycling of waste, while reducing litter and uncontrolled disposal. Some states like Goa, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have legislated the scheme, yielding encouraging results in waste recovery and environmental cleanup,” said a govt official.

This scheme has also been implemented in over 40 countries, with several reports indicating that they consistently witness return rates exceeding 90%. “Some of the longest-running systems, such as those in Germany and Sweden, are reported to achieve the highest collection rates of around 96%. This enables govts to lower waste collection costs and tackle littering effectively, while also encouraging positive behavioural change by incentivising people to dispose of waste responsibly,” the official said.

The feasibility study for this scheme in Delhi will take into account the models of other countries, assess feasibility and develop a customised framework suited to the city’s conditions. It will also prepare a comprehensive proposal covering financial mechanisms, institutional framework, stakeholder obligations and implementation strategy within one month.

“The scheme has proven its mettle in other states, and Delhi should look towards adapting it to our unique urban challenges for swift and tangible impact,” said Sirsa. By involving citizens, businesses and recyclers, it will not only curb pollution but foster a cleaner, greener Delhi, he added. “We are leaving no stone unturned to make our national capital breathable and sustainable. This initiative underscores Delhi govt’s commitment to innovative and citizen-centric solutions for a pollution-free future.”

Sirsa also chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials from various departments to address the issue of plastic and waste clogging drains, polluting water bodies, degrading soil and fuelling air pollution through open burning.