The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation has recently reported an encouraging response to its pilot deployment of automated QR-enabled bottle return machines at select retail locations across the state. The initiative aims to improve glass bottle recovery, reduce littering and digitise deposit refunds.

Consumers participating in the trial appreciated the ease of returning empty glass bottles and metal cans, along with receiving instant digital refunds through bank transfer or UPI-enabled payment mechanisms. Many welcomed the move as a progressive step towards cleaner neighbourhoods and responsible disposal of beverage containers.

The pilot was implemented through cooperation between TASMAC retail outlet administrators and reverse vending machine technology experts. The teams worked together to support smooth operations, customer onboarding and real-time troubleshooting during the trial phase.

The bottle return process requires customers to verify their mobile number through OTP authentication, scan the QR code affixed to the bottle and deposit the empty bottle into the machine. Once authenticity is confirmed, the refundable deposit amount of Rs 10 is credited digitally to the consumer.

Officials noted that the success of the pilot is not measured only by the number of bottles and cans collected, but also by citizen participation and practical insights gained through on-ground implementation.

The pilot has generated important learnings on consumer behaviour, transaction flows, machine operations, outlet-level processes and customer engagement. These insights are expected to help refine the model and support an efficient framework for expansion across Tamil Nadu.

TASMAC will continue gathering data on participation levels, operational efficiency and recycling outcomes. Based on the findings, the corporation will evaluate expanding the QR-enabled bottle return ecosystem to additional outlets, supporting Tamil Nadu’s efforts to create cleaner public spaces and improve glass recycling rates.