FULL REFUND PROGRAM


Canada’s National Brewers, with ABLE and Brewers’ Distributor Ltd. (BDL), have launched the “Full Refund” program, making it easier for consumers and retailers to recycle their empty beer containers.
Brewers have a proud tradition of environmental stewardship and liquor retailers and consumers are important partners in achieving their container management targets. 
The Full Refund program will expand the return-to-retail system for empty beer containers through LRSs and increase service and convenience for consumers. As part of the agreement, participating retailers will be compensated for sorting and handling empty beer containers while ensuring that consumers receive the full 10-cent deposit for each eligible container returned. 
BDL will support the retailer by providing all necessary materials such as trays, boxes, and can bags free of charge. BDL will also pick up the empty containers and wherever possible, coordinate with full goods drop-off. 
Each participating liquor retailer will receive a promotions package including a door cling, counter mat, poster, and shelf talkers to remind consumers to return their empty containers and receive a full refund. 
The package will include information for the LRS staff including a sorting and pallet chart and information to address questions the retailer may have.
A new website has been launched to help consumers find their local Full Refund retailer and learn more about the environmental benefits of returning their empty beer bottles and cans. Visit www.beerbottlerefund.com to read about the benefits of returning empty beverage containers.
With 100% of product packaging either reusable or recyclable, brewers have a strong commitment to sustainability. Each year, nearly 540 million beer containers make their way back to be reused or recycled. That’s the highest of any beverage container in BC!
This return-to-retail program will not only create a new revenue stream for LRSs, but it could also increase the number of consumers coming through the door. More than 78% of consumers who return their empty beverage containers to their local retailer also make a purchase. 
With 78% of BC residents living within 2 km of a beer container return location, more and more liquor retail operators are seeing the benefits of accepting empty containers from their consumers.

If you are interested in joining the other Full Refund LRSs across BC who are increasing their revenue and helping keep BC beautiful, contact ABLE BC at 604-688-5560 or 1-800-663-4883.