Ontario Deposit Return Program

The Ontario Deposit Return Program (ODRP) is the waste reduction and recycling program established by the Government of Ontario, administered by the LCBO, and managed by The Beer Store (TBS). It requires certain licensed stores to accept the return of eligible empty alcohol containers, refund customer deposits collected, and comply with additional requirements. 

Since its introduction in 2007, ODRP has facilitated the return of more than five billion containers and diverted almost 88 tonnes of waste in the province.

Starting October 31, 2024, eligible grocery stores – those located more than 5km from The Beer Store locations – will participate in the program, further helping customers and the industry to minimize their collective impact on the environment. Grocery stores located within 5km of The Beer Store (as of September 3, 2024) are exempt from these requirements until January 1, 2026. To help you determine if you are required to participate, please refer to our self-serve tool.

Both exempt grocery stores and convenience stores must post signage to inform customers about the closest return location. See below for more information.

Information for participating retailers

As a retailer who is required to participate in the Ontario Deposit Return Program (ODRP) as a condition of your AGCO licence, here are some resources and supports to help you understand program requirements and responsibilities starting October 31, 2024. 

Information for non-participating stores

Starting October 31, both temporarily exempt grocery stores and convenience stores must post a clear, visible sign that describes where customers can return eligible empty containers.To find the closest returns location and for signage see below.

The sign must state that “alcohol containers cannot be returned here” or “or alcohol bottles and cans cannot be recycled here” (a similar statement with the same meaning is also acceptable) and provide the street address of the nearest location where containers can be returned.

You are welcome to use your sign, provided the requirements are met. Otherwise, a resource template is available below to download and print for your customers.

ODRP signage-EN.pdf 
ODRP signage-FR.pdf

You can find the nearest empty return location to take back eligible empty beverage alcohol containers under the Ontario Deposit Return Program by visiting this map.

Contact Us 

The Beer Store 

The Beer Store Customer Service team is here to help with any operational enquiries, alternative arrangements or issues.

Phone: 1-888-948-2337
Email: Customerservice@thebeerstore.ca

For hours of operation, visit www.beerstore.ca

Visit www.beerstoreforbusiness.ca for your ordering and account portal for The Beer Store and Brewers Distributed Ltd.

LCBO Contact Information & Resources

For questions related to the ODRP policy or refund disputes, please contact LCBO at groceryandconvenience@lcbo.com. 

Visit frequently asked questions by convenience stores and grocery stores interested in selling beverage alcohol, or stores who are newly licensed to sell beverage alcohol, including information about ODRP.