Chennai: The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) has adopted a technological solution to implement the empty liquor bottle collection scheme, which has become a challenge due to opposition from employees at retail vending shops. Workers claim that manual collection overburdens the existing workforce.
AI-Enabled Automated Units
Tasmac has partnered with Hyderabad-based waste management firm Recykal to supply AI-enabled automated bottle collection units to all liquor shops in the state. The first unit will be installed at an outlet in Egmore on a trial basis. Depending on the results, similar units will be installed across all liquor shops.
How It Works
Customers who want to return an empty liquor bottle to get Rs 10 refunded—collected over MRP during purchase—can simply drop the bottle into the unit after scanning it. They then scan the QR code displayed on the unit to receive Rs 10 credited to their UPI account. Instructions are displayed on the unit to guide users.
Each unit can store up to 3,000 empty liquor bottles at a time. When nearing full capacity, it alerts bottle collection agents via SMS and WhatsApp. The unit can also sort bottles by size, and agents only need to replace the trays. Bulk deposits are possible for Tasmac-attached bars. The unit requires a power source and should ideally be kept indoors.
Background of the Scheme
Tasmac implemented the empty liquor bottle collection scheme as directed by the Madras High Court to reduce pollution. Under the scheme, buyers pay Rs 10 extra over MRP, which can be refunded upon returning the bottle at the respective shop. After success in hill stations, the scheme was expanded statewide. However, workers opposed it, citing overburden and demanding additional manpower. In Chennai, the scheme was deferred due to protests before elections. Tasmac management now plans to install automated units in Chennai first, then cover districts in subsequent phases.
