New Delhi, July 31 -- In a move to tackle the rising problem of plastic waste, the Kerala government has announced a new bottle-return scheme for liquor bottles sold through Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) outlets.

As part of a pilot project set to begin in September, an additional Rs.20 will be charged on every liquor bottle-whether plastic or glass. This amount will be refunded when customers return the bottles to the outlet, according to the excise department.

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'An Investment In Responsible Consumption'Excise Minister M B Rajesh emphasised that the Rs.20 charge should not be viewed as an extra cost, but rather as "an investment...