Environmental advocates are concerned about the impact of a recent deal between the Beer Store and grocery retailers on Ontario’s long-standing deposit return scheme. The disappearance of Beer Store outlets in various communities not only affects alcohol sales but also reduces convenient locations for consumers to return empty containers for deposit refunds.
Initially, grocers with alcohol permits were set to start accepting returns in the new year, but a revised agreement exempts them from this obligation. This shift has led to the emergence of areas with limited access to Beer Store facilities, potentially resulting in decreased participation in the recycling initiative.
Karen Wirsig, a senior program manager at Environmental Defence, highlighted the significance of the Beer Store program, which has been instrumental in facilitating the return of containers for reuse or recycling over the past century. While the Ministry of Finance viewed the agreement as beneficial for businesses and consumers, concerns remain over reduced access to return points and the possible decline in participation rates.
The Beer Store, which has operated a deposit return system since 1927, has seen changes in the alcohol market following the government’s decision to expand sales to alternative retailers. This shift has led to the closure of multiple Beer Store locations, with more closures anticipated in the future.
Under the new agreement, grocery stores located beyond a certain distance from Beer Store outlets were already mandated to accept empty returns, but many did not comply. The recent agreement allows grocers to opt for the Beer Store to manage the deposit return program on their behalf.
John Nock, the union president representing Beer Store employees, welcomed the agreement, emphasizing its potential to sustain demand for Beer Store services. However, he acknowledged that the evolving retail landscape could result in a decrease in returned containers.
Concerns have been raised regarding the extended travel distances consumers may face to return containers, especially in northern regions where access to return points is already limited. The agreement-in-principle includes a commitment to establish return points within 10 kilometers of the majority of Ontarians, a distance greater than initially anticipated.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the agreement’s details, stakeholders fear that additional closures of Beer Store locations may occur, impacting accessibility to the deposit return program. Advocates urge authorities to consider utilizing unredeemed deposits to enhance the deposit return infrastructure and address potential challenges in the recycling process.