Ontario no longer creating deposit-return system for non-alcoholic beverages [Video]

The Ontario government says it no longer plan to introduce a new bottle deposit-return system for non-alcoholic beverages due to “significant costs” it would add for small business and families.

Amanda Brodhagen, the director of communications for Ontario Environment Minister Andrea Khanjin, said the decision was made after an “extensive consultation” with stakeholders.

“Should producers and retailers wish to work collaboratively to implement a system that is both cost effective and increases recycling rates, we would welcome that, however we cannot support increased costs at a time when cost of living is so high,” Brodhagen said in an email to CP24 Friday evening.

Last year, the government invited stakeholders, including environmental organizations, consumer advocacy groups and recycling industry experts, to participate in a six-month working group to review how a new deposit-return system could work.

The program would have seen consumers being charged a recycling fee when purchasing a beverage, …