FC Goa fans try hand at bottle-return tech as DRS drive reaches stadium

Margao: Football and sustainability came together at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda during the recent FC Goa versus Mohun Bagan match, where football supporters were introduced to live demonstrations of the Goa Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS).

As part of a partnership between FC Goa and Goa DRS, a dedicated experience zone was set up inside the stadium to promote responsible waste disposal and create awareness about the state’s upcoming Deposit Refund Scheme, which is scheduled for phased rollout in Goa.

Fans visiting the DRS zone were introduced to Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), where eligible packaging could be scanned and refunds received instantly through UPI.

The initiative is aimed at encouraging behavioural change and promoting responsible disposal of used packaging to help reduce littering, including inside sports venues.

Footballers associated with FC Goa also experienced demonstrations of the technology. The initiative drew participation from football fans and visitors attending the match, many of whom interacted with the machines and learned how the refundable deposit system functions.

Shubham Odarkar, a football fan from Margao, said the initiative could help discourage littering by encouraging people to return used packaging instead of discarding it. Rajdeep Desai from Ponda described the system as a “wonderful initiative” that would help keep Goa clean while rewarding responsible disposal. Commander Harminder Singh of the Indian Navy also appreciated the effort and said it would help improve civic sense and cleanliness.

Under the Goa Deposit Refund Scheme, consumers will pay a small refundable deposit at the time of purchase. The amount will be returned when eligible packaging such as PET bottles, glass bottles, aluminium cans and multi-layered packaging is returned to authorised collection points.

Goa DRS has also been conducting outreach drives and demonstrations across the state, including at village panchayats in Nadora, Assolna, Sal, Anjuna, Loliem-Polem, Agonda and Tivrem-Orgao, besides public events and festivals.