The regulation took effect on 5 February 2007,[1] and applies to manufacturers, wineries, and government stores licensed to sell alcohol under the Liquor Licence Act,[2] but excludes the Brewers Retail Inc. packaging return system.
[1][9] Previously, the province paid $5 million a year to Waste Diversion Ontario for glass reclamation from municipal Blue box programs.
[9] As part of the monitoring of this program, a mystery shopping company, Sensors Quality Management Inc. was contracted to visit 85% or more of the return locations on an annual basis.
From 1 May 2008 to 30 April 2009, the program collected 259 million wine and spirit containers,[10] approximately 73% of those sold by the LCBO and other retailers.
Before the ODRP, about 33% of bottles, 50% of plastic and aluminum containers, and 75% of Tetra Paks purchased at the LCBO would ultimately be disposed to a landfill.
Before the ODRP was established, approximately 78,000 tonnes of glass was recycled via the blue box program, as well as restaurants and bars licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.