~Ease of use and reward-based participation emerge as key strengths of the model, say sitting and former sarpanches.
Goa Khabar : The Deposit Refund Scheme (Goa DRS) continued its statewide outreach with live demonstrations at village panchayats in Sal (Bicholim), Anjuna (Bardez) and Loliem (Canacona), engaging residents and local leaders on the benefits of returning used non-biodegradable packaging for refunds.
These demonstrations across three separate talukas are a part of the ongoing Information, Education and Communication (IEC) efforts under Goa’s Deposit Refund Scheme, a government-led initiative aimed at reducing litter, improving recycling outcomes, and encouraging responsible waste disposal through financial incentives.
At each location, residents and elected representatives were introduced to the functioning of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and the broader DRS ecosystem, including eligible materials, QR-based identification, and refund processing. These sessions focused on simplifying participation and building confidence in the system through hands-on interaction.
Savitri Sajaro Ghadi, sarpanch, Village Panchayat Sal, Bicholim, said, “This is very useful. Often wet and dry waste gets mixed and litter ends up dumped. These machines are helpful because when you put in waste, you also receive a refund. Our panchayat is willing to sign an agreement to set them up.”
From Anjuna, former sarpanch and sitting panch member Laxmidas Chimulkar noted that the initiative can address long-standing waste issues if used responsibly. “Waste often ends up scattered in fields and public spaces. With this system, people can dispose of waste properly and receive a refund in return. It’s a simple step that encourages responsible behaviour and helps keep our surroundings clean,” he said.
Echoing this, Surendra Govekar, sarpanch, village panchayat Anjuna, demonstrated the system in action and highlighted its ease of use. “By scanning the QR code and inserting the bottle, residents can instantly receive ₹2 for instance in their UPI account. I urge villagers and tourists not to discard bottles but to use this machine and help keep Anjuna green and clean,” he said.
The demonstrations drew active participation from residents, who experienced the machines firsthand and learned how deposits paid at the time of purchase are fully refunded upon returning empty beverage containers.
The Goa DRS is designed to cover PET bottles, glass bottles, aluminium cans and multi-layered packaging, combining technology with behavioural incentives to ensure higher recovery rates and cleaner public spaces.
Similar awareness drives and demonstrations have also been conducted earlier at Nadora and Assolna village panchayats, reflecting a growing momentum of community engagement across Goa.
