"That doesn't just affect the purchase of alcohol, it also means fewer locations for consumers to drop off empties and get back the deposit paid on alcohol containers. Grocers with alcohol licences were expected to start accepting empties in the new year, but a new agreement means they won't have to after all. The changing landscape has left some neighbourhoods and regions essentially Beer Store deserts, and could mean less participation in the recycling program."
"The Beer Store has operated a deposit return program for its own products since 1927, and for all packaged alcohol since 2007. A deposit ($0.10 to $0.20 for most containers) is built into the price of alcohol. Consumers can return their cans and bottles and receive a refund, with the containers either refilled or recycled. According to the Beer Store's website, eight out of 10 beer containers sold in Ontario are returned for a deposit refund."
An agreement between the Beer Store and grocers allows grocers with alcohol licences to avoid accepting empties, reducing the number of return points. Beer Store locations have been closing across Ontario, creating Beer Store deserts and limiting consumer access to deposit refunds. The Beer Store's deposit return program has operated since 1927 and covered all packaged alcohol since 2007, with deposits of $0.10–$0.20 and an 80% return rate. Environmental Defence warned reduced access could lower participation and threaten refilling operations. The Ministry of Finance called the agreement a win for businesses and consumers and did not answer questions about reduced access.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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