Chennai, Tamil Nadu July 01: The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) has reported an encouraging response to its pilot deployment of automated QR–enabled bottle return machines at select retail locations across the state.
The initiative, aimed at improving glass bottle recovery, reducing littering, and digitising deposit refunds, has been positively received by consumers, shop administrators, and other stakeholders involved in the pilot programme.
Citizens participating in the trial appreciated the ease of returning empty bottles (glass bottles & metal cans) and receiving instant digital refunds through bank transfer or UPI-enabled payment mechanisms. Many consumers welcomed the initiative as a progressive step towards cleaner neighbourhoods and more responsible disposal of beverage containers.
The pilot was implemented through close cooperation between TASMAC retail outlet administrators and reverse vending machine (RVM) technology experts, who worked together to ensure smooth operations, customer onboarding, and real-time troubleshooting during the trial phase.
“Earlier, getting a refund used to be a very complex process. This machine makes it simple. When I returned my bottles, I got my money back instantly.” A resident experiencing the device shared his experience with the pilot.
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 ₹10 is credited digitally to the consumer.
Officials noted that the success of the pilot is not measured solely by the number of bottles (glass bottles & metal cans) collected, but also by the willingness of citizens to participate and the practical insights gained through on-ground implementation.
The pilot has generated important learnings related to consumer behaviour, transaction flows, machine operations, outlet-level processes, and customer engagement. These insights are expected to play a critical role in refining the model and developing an efficient framework for expansion across Tamil Nadu.
Speaking on the initiative, officials stated, “The positive response from consumers demonstrates that citizens are ready to adopt convenient and transparent recycling solutions. Equally important are the learnings emerging from the pilot, which will help us optimise operations and build a robust, scalable system for wider deployment across the state.”
The pilot programme is expected to continue gathering data on participation levels, operational efficiency, and recycling outcomes. Based on these findings, TASMAC will evaluate the feasibility of expanding the QR–enabled bottle return ecosystem to additional outlets, supporting Tamil Nadu’s efforts to create cleaner public spaces, improve glass recycling rates, and encourage responsible consumption practices.