Feb 05, 2007: Bungled LCBO recycling plan awarded “Withering Trillium” by OPSEU

Bungled LCBO recycling plan awarded “Withering Trillium” by OPSEU

TORONTO – The McGuinty government and the LCBO have bungled the chance to create a truly effective deposit-return system for wine and spirits bottles, according to the Ontario Public Service Employees Union.

As a result, almost 20,000 tonnes of glass that could have been returned and recycled will still be sent to Ontario landfills each year, OPSEU says.

“Asking LCBO customers to make a separate trip to The Beer Store to return their wine and liquor containers just doesn’t make sense,” said OPSEU President Leah Casselman. “It’s not convenient for customers, so it won’t be effective for the environment.”

In recognition of the deep flaws in the government’s new deposit-return system, which was launched today, OPSEU has given its “Withering Trillium Award” to Premier McGuinty and Ontario Environment Minister Lauren Broten. Also sharing the award are LCBO acting chair and CEO Phillip Olsson, and the liquor agency’s president, Bob Peter.

According to targets announced last fall, the government hopes the new deposit-return system will eventually recover up to 85 per cent of LCBO containers. This is well below the 98 per cent recovery rate for domestic beer bottles, which customers can return to The Beer Store when they make their next purchase.

The 13 percentage point difference is equal to more than 50 million bottles or approximately 19,500 tonnes of glass per year.

“The government missed the obvious solution, which is to give LCBO customers the option to return their empties to their liquor store,” Casselman said.

Even worse, she said, the new system slams the door on the possible re-use of Ontario wine and spirits containers.

“We all know that re-using is better for the environment than recycling,” Casselman said. “There is no reason why we can’t set up a system for re-using bottles, rather than smashing and recycling them. But that will take a close partnership with Ontario’s wineries and distillers.

“The LCBO already has the business and logistical relationships needed to make a re-use program work. The Beer Store doesn’t.”

OPSEU, which represents approximately 6,500 LCBO employees, issues its Withering Trillium award to public sector managers who “demonstrate, in the finest tradition of management, a complete lack of understanding, skill, knowledge, fairness or competence.”

“The McGuinty government and LCBO management have missed a golden opportunity to do the right thing for our environment,” Casselman said. “I can’t think of a better set of candidates for our Withering Trillium Award.”

- 30 -

Further information:

Greg Hamara (416) 448-7441; 1-800-268-7376; 647-238-9933 (cell)

Ontario Public Service Employees Union, 100 Lesmill Rd. Toronto, ON M3B 3P8 (416) 443-8888 www.opseu.org
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		FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 5, 2007 Bungled LCBO recycling plan awarded “Withering Trillium” by OPSEU TORONTO – The McGuinty government and the LCBO have bungled the chance to create a truly effective deposit-return system for wine and spirits bottles, according to the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. As a result, almost 20,000 tonnes of glass that could have been returned and recycled will still be sent to Ontario landfills each year, OPSEU says. “Asking LCBO customers to make a separate trip to The Beer Store to return their wine and liquor containers just doesn’t make sense,” said OPSEU President Leah Casselman. “It’s not convenient for customers, so it won’t be effective for the environment.” In recognition of the deep flaws in the government’s new deposit-return system, which was launched today, OPSEU has given its “Withering Trillium Award” to Premier McGuinty and Ontario Environment Minister Lauren Broten. Also sharing the award are LCBO acting chair and CEO Phillip Olsson, and the liquor agency’s president, Bob Peter. According to targets announced last fall, the government hopes the new deposit-return system will eventually recover up to 85 per cent of LCBO containers. This is well below the 98 per cent recovery rate for domestic beer bottles, which customers can return to The Beer Store when they make their next purchase. The 13 percentage point difference is equal to more than 50 million bottles or approximately 19,500 tonnes of glass per year. “The government missed the obvious solution, which is to give LCBO customers the option to return their empties to their liquor store,” Casselman said. Even worse, she said, the new system slams the door on the possible re-use of Ontario wine and spirits containers. “We all know that re-using is better for the environment than recycling,” Casselman said. “There is no reason why we can’t set up a system for re-using bottles, rather than smashing and recycling them. But that will take a close partnership with Ontario’s wineries and distillers. “The LCBO already has the business and logistical relationships needed to make a re-use program work. The Beer Store doesn’t.” OPSEU, which represents approximately 6,500 LCBO employees, issues its Withering Trillium award to public sector managers who “demonstrate, in the finest tradition of management, a complete lack of understanding, skill, knowledge, fairness or competence.” “The McGuinty government and LCBO management have missed a golden opportunity to do the right thing for our environment,” Casselman said. “I can’t think of a better set of candidates for our Withering Trillium Award.” - 30 - Further information: Greg Hamara (416) 448-7441; 1-800-268-7376; 647-238-9933 (cell)



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