The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that Ontario's recycling of beverage containers lacks a deposit system for non-alcoholic containers, unlike most provinces. A Globe editorial says only 46 per cent of non-refillable containers for non-alcoholic beverages in the province are recycled, compared with 79 per cent for alcoholic ones. In provinces with deposits on both types, recycling rates are around 80 per cent. A successful deposit-return program could greatly reduce the 1.7 billion plastic containers from Ontario that end up in landfills, incinerators, or as litter each year. Without change, Ontario is unlikely to meet its goal of recycling or refilling 80 per cent of its non-alcoholic empties. Now is a good time to expand the deposit return system. Deposit programs effectively promote reuse and recycling, similar to Ontario's alcohol deposit return system. Ontario has changed its recycling pickup system from municipalities to Circular Materials, a not-for-profit led by McDonald's and Pepsi. The goal is to encourage producers to create more recyclable materials. However, it's uncertain if this new system will improve recycling rates, while deposit programs have shown proven results.