Close to 1000 Establishments across HoReCa and AlcoBev Businesses on Board As State to Roll Out DRS on alcohol from September 1

~ The scheme has been backed by positive responses from various stakeholders (consumers, AlcoBev brands, HoReCa, retailers and panchayats).
~ The first phase of implementation will cover alcoholic beverages.
~ All Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs), dealing in liquor products, shall obtain registration under Deposit Refund Scheme on or before July 31, 2026, as a mandatory pre-condition for placing such products in the market with effect from 1st September 2026.

Panaji, July 2026 — With September 1 finalised as the D-Day for the roll-out of the first phase of the much-anticipated Goa Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS), close to 1000 hotels, restaurants and cafés (HoReCa) and AlcoBev entities registered and operating in the state have joined hands with the novel waste-management initiative positioned as a major milestone in the tourism-oriented state’s fight against non-biodegradable packaging waste.
The first phase will cover all alcoholic beverages, carrying a nominal refundable deposit on all packaging (glass bottles, PET bottles, Metal Cans, Tetra Pack, or any other DRS product notified) to encourage consumers to return empty packaging through designated collection points and Reverse Vending Machines. The initiative aims to improve packaging recovery, reduce litter, and support a cleaner, more sustainable Goa.
“Phase 1 of Goa DRS is a decisive step towards making Goa cleaner and more sustainable. By starting with the AlcoBev segment and making returns simple and financially rewarding, we are confident that citizens, tourists, and brands will actively participate in this environmentally conscious initiative,” said Dr Anthony de Sa, Chairman of the DRS Authority.
For the first phase of implementation, scores of beverage brands have already been onboarded under the Goa DRS, including companies across alcoholic beverages, packaged drinks and other categories covered under the scheme. Leading industry players such as United Breweries Limited and Kingfisher Drinks have already come on board, while several Goan brands, including Rosita (Tap House), Borecha, Maka Di, Kati Patang and Thirsty Crocodile, participated in the scheme’s first public pilot at Panjim Potluck by adopting QR-coded packaging.
Registered participants include several leading hospitality brands such as Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, ITC Grand Goa, Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Alila Diwa Goa, Le Méridien Goa, Calangute, Hyatt Place Goa, Candolim, and The Park Calangute Goa. Among restaurants, cafés and hospitality venues, participants include Purple Martini, Cohiba Bar & Kitchen, One8 Commune Goa, Baba Au Rhum, Anjuna, Elephant & Co, Anjuna, and Terttulia Goa, among others.
The HoReCa sector will play a key role in the Goa DRS, with hotels, restaurants and cafés benefiting from dedicated collection mechanisms and direct pickup arrangements for bulk returns, making participation easier while improving packaging recovery across the state.
Dr Mohan Krishna Balivada, Founder of Cheers and producer of Kadamba Single Malt Whisky, who took part in a live demo at the Spirit of Goa in Colva said. “I personally experienced the DRS demo and got the refund. We are ready for the Sept 1 timeline as we feel this scheme is planet-friendly and good for Goa.”
Rohan Pereira, co-founder of Usacha Rum, added, “India’s first rum agricole, described the initiative as the kind of on-ground infrastructure the industry has been missing: “We are very impressed with what DRS is capable of. Now with the launch date approaching, I hope everyone comes together to support DRS.”
Sudeep Gusain, Purchase Manager, Alila Diwa Goa, a Hyatt brand, said, “We chose to be part of the Deposit Refund Scheme as it strongly aligns with Alila Diwa Goa’s commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality. The initiative enables us to actively reduce waste, promote recycling, and engage both our team and guests in meaningful environmental stewardship.”
From a consumer perspective, people are appreciating the decision of starting with Alcobev category. “I think this is a smart move to start with alcohol since alcohol litter is something we see lying around all the time near beaches and other public spaces. If people have a reason to return them, our beaches will definitely be cleaner.”
With over 100 RVMs already installed, Panchayats are giving full support towards DRS implementation, “We are getting an RVM installed at our panchayat, which will help us keep Velguem village clean. This scheme will benefit the masses as well, since they will get their deposit back on responsible disposal. I would request everyone to make use of the machine and return their packaging waste through it.” said Yogita Haldankar, Sarpanch, Velguem Panchayat.
All Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs), dealing in liquor products, need to obtain registration under Deposit Refund Scheme on or before July 31, 2026, as a mandatory pre-condition for placing such products in the market with effect from 1st September 2026.
Goa DRS has been conducting demonstrations and public awareness activities across the state ahead of the scheme’s formal rollout.

Photo : Residents and local leaders experiencing a Reverse Vending Machine under Goa Deposit Refund Scheme.

Photo : Visitors experience the Goa Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) Reverse Vending Machine during the DRS activation at the São João celebrations in Siolim, promoting responsible recycling of beverage containers.