Goa's Deposit Refund Scheme to Channel Unclaimed Funds into Waste Management and Public Outreach
In Panaji, the Goa Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) Administrative Committee has projected that a significant portion of deposits collected from customers during the initial rollout phases may go unclaimed. Committee chairman Anthony D’Sa detailed that these unredeemed funds will be distributed equally among civic bodies, panchayats, and the agency implementing the DRS system, ensuring financial sustainability and enhanced waste management across the state.
Three-Way Distribution of Unclaimed Deposits
Anthony D’Sa explained the government's decision to allocate up to 30% of unredeemed deposits to the system operator as handling fees, contingent on proof of expenditure for collecting items. Another 30% will be directed to municipalities and panchayats to bolster their waste management systems. The remaining funds will be dedicated to consumer education, advertising, and administrative needs of the scheme.
D’Sa emphasized the necessity of this distribution, stating, "The scheme requires continuous government oversight and sustained public outreach. Running the scheme incurs expenses, and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) efforts involve constant advertising, public awareness, and consumer education. That money has to come from somewhere."
Rationale Behind the Fund Allocation
The committee chairman highlighted that non-biodegradable waste not returned through the nearly 360 designated collection points will ultimately be managed by civic authorities via existing waste collection systems. "If it is unredeemed, it does not mean it has disappeared. Someone, somewhere has dealt with it. It was thrown into some bin, so a municipality or panchayat handled it and needs to be reimbursed," D’Sa noted.
The 30% allocation to the system operator will only be released upon verification of actual expenditure on collecting items outside formal return channels. This fund-sharing mechanism aims to ensure the DRS's financial viability while strengthening local waste management infrastructure statewide.
Future Outlook and Consumer Participation
D’Sa expressed optimism that consumer awareness and participation will improve as the scheme matures across Goa. The committee anticipates that enhanced public engagement will reduce unclaimed deposits over time, but the current framework ensures that any such funds are effectively utilized for environmental and administrative purposes.
This strategic approach not only supports the operational costs of the DRS but also incentivizes local bodies to improve waste handling, creating a more sustainable ecosystem for managing non-biodegradable materials in the region.
