What Ontario Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries Should Know
The Ontario Deposit Return Program began on February 5th, 2007.
The deposit applies to all wine, beer and spirit containers (including glass and plastic (PET) bottles, Tetra Pak containers, bag-in-box and aluminum and steel containers) purchased in Ontario on or after February 5, 2007.
Ontario wineries and distilleries apply the same deposit rates on wine, beer and spirit containers that they sell through on-site stores and, in the case of authorized wineries, direct delivered to licensed establishments.
Most wine, beer and spirit containers 630mL or under carry a $0.10 deposit; those 631mL or over, $0.20. Aluminum and steel containers over 1L carry a $0.20 deposit; those 1L and under carry a $0.10 deposit.
Ontario wineries and distilleries must account for each wine, beer and spirit container that it releases into the Ontario market, and remit the deposit amount for all such wine, beer and spirit containers to the LCBO on a monthly basis. This includes wine, beer and spirit containers from product sold at the manufacturer's store or the LCBO, to restaurants and bars and of product that is sampled or used for tastings at stores and trade functions.
When each such container is returned to TBS for a refund, the LCBO pays the deposit amount to TBS. In addition, the LCBO pays TBS the associated deposit return service fee (10.5 cents per container) on behalf of Ontario wineries and distilleries.
Additional information for Ontario wineries and distilleries regarding reporting and remittance procedures was shared with manufacturers and trade associations in January, 2007.
Participation in this program by Ontario wineries and distilleries will result in a significant improvement to the diversion of packaging waste.
For further information, please read our Frequently Asked Questions.