A Liberal MPP is trying to kick-start plans for a refundable return program in Ontario.

Mary-Margaret McMahon introduced a Private Member’s Bill in Queen’s Park.

She says her proposal would establish a system of collection for all non-alcoholic beverage containers.

“It is a simple common sense solution that will improve our recycling rate and keep our streets clean, our cities, our parks and our water litter free,” says McMahon.

The Ford government was exploring a similar idea but backed down earlier this year.

McMahon says Ontario is only one of two provinces that does not have a deposit system for non-alcoholic beverages.

“As a result, Ontario maintains the country’s lowest non-alcoholic beverage container recovery rate for these non-alcoholic beverage containers, which is stalled at 51% according to the latest estimate provided by Circular Materials.”

She says Alberta has achieved an 85% collection rate through its deposit return system.

A system was in place for glass pop bottles until the 1980s when the industry shifted to plastic bottles.