Delhi govt mulls deposit return scheme to incentivise plastic waste disposal

The Delhi government is exploring the deposit return scheme to tackle non-biodegradable waste, with Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa directing officials to prepare a detailed proposal within a month.

The move is aimed at plugging the leakage of recyclable plastic waste into the environment and strengthening the city’s waste management system, officials said.

The deposit return scheme (DRS) is an incentive-based system under which consumers pay a small refundable deposit on non-biodegradable items such as plastic bottles at the time of purchase, which is returned when the item is brought back to designated collection points.

Chairing a meeting with senior officials, Sirsa flagged concerns over plastic waste clogging drains, polluting water bodies, degrading soil and contributing to air pollution through open burning.

“This scheme has proven its mettle in other states, and Delhi should also look towards adapting it to our unique urban challenges for swift and tangible impact,” Sirsa said on Tuesday.

Sirsa has issued a standing order in this regard, directing the environment department to conduct a detailed study of the existing DRS models, assess feasibility and develop a customised DRS framework suited to Delhi’s conditions.

The proposed framework will include financial mechanisms, institutional arrangements, stakeholder responsibilities and a rollout strategy, officials said, adding that a comprehensive proposal will be submitted for review within a month.

Sirsa said the initiative could transform how waste is managed in the city.

“This initiative has the potential to transform waste management in Delhi, turning pollution into opportunity through public-private synergy,” he said.

Officials said the DRS system encourages segregation and recycling while reducing littering and uncontrolled disposal of waste.

Sirsa stressed that public participation will be key to the scheme’s success.

“By involving citizens, businesses, and recyclers, DRS will not only curb pollution but foster a cleaner, greener Delhi. Under the chief minister’s vision, we’re leaving no stone unturned to make our national capital breathable and sustainable,” he said.

According to officials, similar systems have already been implemented in states such as Goa, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, showing encouraging results in waste recovery. Globally, DRS models operating in over 40 countries have reported return rates exceeding 90 per cent, with some countries achieving recovery rates as high as 96 per cent.

They added that the scheme could also help reduce municipal waste management costs while promoting responsible consumer behaviour.