Licensee FAQ

Q: When did the program come into effect?
A: The LCBO and Ontario wineries and distilleries began applying a refundable deposit to all wine, beer and spirit containers starting February 5, 2007. Only wine, beer and spirit containers purchased in Ontario on or after this date are eligible for a refund.

Q: What are the deposit rates?
A: Wine, beer and spirit containers 631mL or over carry a $0.20 deposit; those 630mL or under carry a $0.10 deposit; wine, beer and spirit containers 100mL or under are exempt but can still be returned; aluminum and steel containers over 1L carry a $0.20 deposit; those 1L and under carry a $0.10 deposit.

Q: What packaging can be returned to The Beer Store (TBS)?
A: All LCBO and Ontario winery and distillery wine, beer and spirit containers (glass and plastic (PET) bottles, Tetra Pak containers, cans, bag-in-box, aluminum and steel containers) that carry a deposit can be returned to The Beer Store (TBS).

Q: How are licensees getting their empty wine, beer and spirit containers to The Beer Store (TBS)?
A: Licensees have several options:

• wine, beer and spirit containers are picked up by The Beer Store (TBS) free of charge during the course of a regular Service on Tap beer delivery.
• The Beer Store (TBS) picks up wine, beer and spirit containers for a fee if the licensee does not use the Service on Tap program or requires additional collections.
• third party haulers can be used; third party haulers are required to register with The Beer Store (TBS) and are required to return empties to designated Commerical Bulk Return Locations.
• wine, beer and spirit containers can be returned to a TBS store or Commerical Bulk Return Location by the licensees themselves.

Q: Will licensees that do not get beer deliveries also receive free pick-ups from The Beer Store (TBS)?
A: The Beer Store (TBS) provides free pick-ups of empty wine, beer and spirit containers during beer deliveries. If you are not receiving beer deliveries from The Beer Store (TBS), pick-ups may be arranged with The Beer Store (TBS) for a fee. You may also return wine, beer and spirit containers directly to The Beer Store (TBS), or arrange with a third party hauler to do so. Please contact the The Beer Store (TBS) Call Centre at 1-888-948-2337 or visit www.serviceontap.ca for additional information on services provided by The Beer Store (TBS).

Q: What do I do about the third party hauler I already use to handle my waste?
A: Changes to existing arrangements with third party haulers are a matter between you and your hauler. Experience in other jurisdictions suggests that third party haulers are interested in providing container-haulage and redemption services to licensees. Please note, however, that third party haulers will be required to be registered with The Beer Store (TBS) and needs to return empties to Commercial Bulk Return Locations.

Q: I have an existing contract with a third party hauler that ensures that my wine, beer and spirit containers are recycled - can I be exempted from this program?
A: The Ontario Deposit Return Program applies to all wine and spirit containers sold by the LCBO and Ontario wineries and distilleries. The only exemptions from this program are duty-free, U-Vint and U-Brew operations.

Q: What additional work is required of licensees to comply with this initiative?
A: Licensees determine what operational practices work best for them, in light of their own circumstances. Details on sorting/bagging requirements are provided by The Beer Store (TBS). Further information can be obtained by contacting The Beer Store (TBS) Call Centre at 1-888-948-2337 or visit www.serviceontap.ca.

Q: What about wines purchased under the Ontario winery Direct Delivery program or wines, spirits and beers obtained from agents?
A: These products have the appropriate deposit amount included when they are sold to you and are treated the same as LCBO containers.

Q: Is this program in place because the Blue Box isn't working?
A: To the contrary, Ontario’s Blue Box program is very successful. In fact, today, 25 years after it was introduced, it is acclaimed the world over as one of the most recognizable symbols of environmental responsibility. Thanks to the Blue Box, we’ve made exceptional progress in diverting our waste in this province and millions of Ontarians have changed their views and -- more important -- their habits with respect to environmental stewardship.

Deposit Return enhances the Blue Box program, helps to increase the number of wine and spirit containers that are recycled, and frees up space in Blue Boxes, allowing municipalities to expand recycling programs.

Q: Why did the government choose The Beer Store (TBS) to handle returns? Why not have wine, beer and spirit containers brought back to the LCBO?
A: Diverting waste from landfills is a key environmental initiative that enjoys strong public support. In order to get the deposit return program up and running as quickly as possible, the government chose to use TBS' existing and successful return system for other wine, beer and spirit containers. LCBO stores were not designed to handle returns.

Q: What about the hospitality industry, is this not putting more pressure on this sector, when they have already taken a hit from the smoking legislation?
A: Finding ways to reduce waste is one of the most important issues facing Ontario municipalities. We can no longer allow large quantities of wine, beer and spirit containers to go into landfills.

The goal is to recycle as many wine, beer and spirit containers as possible into high-end products, such as new bottles and fiberglass insulation. This will help save our natural resources and protect our land and water.

The government, LCBO and TBS are working with stakeholders in the hospitality sector to develop best practices for the successful implementation of the program.

Q: Where can I get more information about the program?
A: Further information on TBS services can be obtained by contacting the TBS Call Centre at 1-888-948-2337 or by visiting http://www.pir.gov.on.ca/. Details on the government's contract with The Beer Store are available at http://www.pir.gov.on.ca/.