Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) continued its statewide outreach programme with live demonstrations held at village panchayats in Sal (Bicholim), Anjuna (Bardez) and Loliem (Canacona), aimed at familiarising residents with the upcoming recycling and resource recovery system being rolled out across the State.
At Loliem-Polem Village Panchayat, the Goa DRS team conducted an awareness demonstration on the functioning of the new-age recycling system, explaining how the Deposit Refund Scheme will operate once fully implemented across Goa.
In Sal-Bicholim Village Panchayat, sarpanch Savitri Sajaro Ghadi participated in the demonstration and interacted with the state-of-the-art Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), which forms a key component of the DRS infrastructure.
Similarly, at Anjuna, sarpanch Surendra Govekar examined and demonstrated the Reverse Vending Machine during a live showcase of the DRS system, which allows users to deposit used packaging materials and receive instant refunds through digital payment methods.
Officials stated that the demonstrations are part of the ongoing Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign under the Goa DRS initiative, which aims to reduce littering, improve waste segregation, and encourage responsible disposal of non-biodegradable waste through financial incentives.
Residents and local representatives were introduced to QR-based identification, eligible recyclable materials, and the refund process. The initiative was well received, with participants noting that the ease of use and reward-based participation could significantly improve public engagement in waste management practices.
The Goa DRS system is designed to cover PET bottles, glass bottles, aluminium cans, and multi-layered packaging, with the broader goal of strengthening recycling infrastructure and promoting a cleaner and more sustainable environment across Goa.
