QR code based deposit refund system to be implemented for PET and HIPS containers

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the Proposal presented by the Minister of Environment to invite proposals from appropriate institutions and to implement a QR code based deposit refund system through the institution selected from among the institutions submitting proposals for same.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Bottles used as plastic packaging and High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) cups and other plastic containers are often discarded into the environment after only one use. Due to the irresponsible disposal of such waste by some consumers and the lack of an efficient return system, the said plastic waste enters sensitive environments and accumulates in our environment

To control this situation, the Central Environment Authority (CEA)  has implemented 2 pilot projects for plastic waste management in Sri Lanka and based on the results of the two pilot projects, it has been identified that the temporary deposit refund method is appropriate for re-collecting empty containers. Under this system, the seller keeps a temporary cash deposit when the customer purchases the product and the temporary deposit is refunded to the customer when the empty bottles are returned. It has been recognized that the introduction of a QR code system is desirable to further improve this system.

(PMD)