Ontario Bottle Deposit at Grocery Stores

Summary#

This bill would create a refundable deposit on many beverage containers in Ontario and make large grocery stores and Brewers Retail Inc. stores (The Beer Store) take back empties and give refunds. It changes the existing recycling law to let the government set the rules and launches the program one year after the bill becomes law.

• Sets a minimum deposit: at least 10 cents for containers up to 1 litre, and at least 25 cents for containers over 1 litre.
• Lets the government define which beverage containers are covered (for example, plastic, metal, or glass) through regulations.
• Requires large grocery stores and all stores run by Brewers Retail Inc. to act as return depots and pay out deposit refunds.
• Makes it an offence for these store owners to refuse returns or not pay refunds as required.
• Defines “grocery store” as a large food store (over 4,000 sq ft, with a wide range of foods) and not primarily a pharmacy.
• Takes effect one year after Royal Assent; detailed rules will be set by regulation.

What it means for you#

• Consumers

  • You would pay a small deposit when buying drinks in covered containers and get it back when you return the empty container.
  • You could bring empties to large grocery stores or The Beer Store to get your refund.
  • You may choose to return containers for cash back instead of putting them in your blue box.

• Shoppers at small stores

  • Small markets and convenience stores that don’t meet the bill’s “grocery store” definition would not be required to take back containers.

• Large grocery stores

  • You would need to accept returns of covered beverage containers and pay refunds at each store.
  • You would need space, staff, and processes to handle returns and could face penalties if you don’t comply.

• Brewers Retail Inc. (The Beer Store)

  • Your stores must act as return depots and pay refunds, with responsibility to ensure all locations follow the rules.

• Local governments

  • You could see fewer beverage containers in curbside recycling if more people return them for refunds. Details depend on future regulations.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• A deposit makes it more likely people will return containers, which can cut litter and boost recycling.
• Allowing returns at large grocery stores makes it easier for most people to get refunds.
• Higher return rates can produce cleaner materials for reuse, which supports a circular economy.
• Could reduce the amount of beverage containers going into blue boxes or landfills.
• Aligns Ontario with deposit systems used in many other provinces.

Opponents' View#

• Large grocery stores may face new costs for space, equipment, cleaning, and staff time to handle returns.
• Some fear added system costs could lead to higher shelf prices or fees passed on to shoppers.
• Details are left to regulations, so businesses and cities lack clarity on operations, timelines, and enforcement until rules are set.
• There may be hygiene and congestion concerns at busy stores handling large volumes of empties.
• Risk of fraud or cross-border returns if controls are weak.