Ontario Deposit Return Program Update

November 27, 2025

Our government is pleased to share that The Beer Store and grocery retailers have reached an agreement in principle to maintain Ontario’s world-class deposit return program.

This agreement will ensure there is point of recycling within 10KM for the vast majority of the Ontarians.  This is a win for Ontario businesses, consumers, and The Beer Store, providing stability and certainty to the recycling program.

This is also a success of the government’s return to retail regulations allowing for the parties to negotiate alternative arrangements and provide the best possible options to consumers.

This marks another step forward in modernizing Ontario’s alcohol marketplace which continues to deliver more choice and convenience to the people of Ontario while supporting job growth and providing new opportunities to small businesses.

This also build on the previous success of modernization including the largest expansion of provincial alcohol sales in nearly a century, resulting in

• Ontario-made products up 33% in 2025
• Convenience store sales up 12% overall and 33% on long weekends.
• An increase of sales of local craft products by 50% and a 79% increase in VQA wine, made from 100% Ontario-grown grapes.