Frequently asked questions
General
What is the deposit system?
The deposit system is a recovery method based on the temporary collection of a deposit when a beverage container is sold. To encourage consumers to return containers for recovery and recycling, the deposit is redeemable, meaning that there is no cost to them. Only people who choose to throw containers away bear any financial cost.
When you return your beverage containers, you are taking real action to help the environment: separation at source improves the quality of materials and helps ensure that all redeemable containers are 100% recycled as part of a closed-loop deposit-return system that has proven its worth for nearly 40 years.
When you return your beverage containers, you are taking real action to help the environment: separation at source improves the quality of materials and helps ensure that all redeemable containers are 100% recycled as part of a closed-loop deposit-return system that has proven its worth for nearly 40 years.
Deposit system modernization
What are the key dates in the expansion of the deposit system?
- November 1, 2023In addition to all beverage containers that were already redeemable, all aluminum beverage containers of between 100 mL and 2 L are included in the deposit system, including small vegetable juice cans, sparkling water cans, etc.
- March 1, 2025
- All plastic beverage containers of between 100 mL and 2 L.
- All glass beverage containers of between 100 mL and 2 L, including wine bottles.
- All multi-layer cardboard-type containers of between 100 mL and 2 L, including milk cartons and juice boxes.
What are the main changes?
The changes effective November 1, 2023, are part of the first phase of deposit system modernization:
- The deposit amount is now 10 cents The amount of the deposit on almost all redeemable beverage containers is now 10 cents, except for large glass bottles of between 500 mL and 2 L, which are already redeemable and for which the amount is 25 cents. In the interest of standardization, the amount for containers were previously redeemable for a 20-cent refund is now 10 cents. If you have beverage containers for which the deposit amount is 20 cents, you have until November 1, 2023, to return them to the point of sale for a full refund. There will, however, be a 15-day grace period, after which the refund amount will be 10 cents.
- All aluminum containers are redeemable:As of November 1, 2023, all aluminum beverage containers of between 100 mL and 2 L are redeemable.
What is extended producer responsibility (EPR)?
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a principle whereby the companies that market products are also responsible for their life-cycle management; i.e., for managing the residual materials generated by the consumption of those products.
What are the goals of deposit system modernization?
The goals of deposit system modernization are to recover and recycle greater quantities of redeemable beverage containers and to improve the ways we recover and reclaim materials, so as to reduce our environmental footprint.
Why is the deposit-refund system being modernized?
The current deposit-return system dates to 1984, so an overhaul was needed. In 2022, the Government of Quebec enacted a law that lays out the bases for modernization of the system. For Quebecers, the modernization means, among other things, that effective November 1, 2023:
- more beverage containers are redeemable (expansion of the product categories included in the deposit system);
- the amount of the deposit is standardized at 10 cents for the majority of beverage containers;
- beverage producers are now responsible for end-of-life management of the products they market (extended producer responsibility).
Who is responsible for the Quebec deposit system?
The Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QBCRA) has been appointed by RECYC-QUÉBEC as the Designated Management Organization (DMO) responsible for the modernized deposit system as of November 1, 2023. The DMO comprises the various beverage producers involved in recovery, reuse, recycling and conversion of beverage containers in the province of Quebec.
What to know about the deposit system
How do I know whether a beverage container is redeemable?
As of November 1, 2023, it is no longer necessary to look for the words “Consignée Québec XX ¢” on redeemable beverage containers. In addition to all beverage containers that were already redeemable (essentially, soft-drink and beer cans), all other aluminum beverage containers are now included in the deposit system.
Why is there no deposit on wine bottles, water bottles or juice and milk containers?
These products will be redeemable as of the second phase of the deposit system modernization, scheduled for March 2025.
Which beverage containers are included in the Quebec deposit system; i.e., redeemable?
As of November 1, 2023, all aluminum-can beverage containers of between 100 mL and 2 L are redeemable. This is in addition to the vast majority of soft-drink and beer containers, whether made of glass or plastic, that were already included in the deposit system.
My municipality has a site where I can drop off glass containers. Should I take my redeemable glass beverage containers there?
On top of the deposit refund that acts as a financial incentive, you can rest assured that redeemable glass beverage containers will be 100% recycled when you take them to a grocery store or any other return location. As for glass beverage containers that are not redeemable, taking them to a drop-off site is a way to ensure their environmentally responsible recovery.
Should I take my returnable beverage containers to retailer or put them in my recycling bin?
Returnable beverage containers taken to retailer or other return facilities are 100% recycled.
Why have a deposit on beverage containers?
The benefits of a deposit-return system for beverage containers are the following:
- It results in better-quality materials:
- processors have less sorting to do;
- there is less breakage;
- the quantity of unwanted residual materials is reduced;
- recovered materials’ resale value is higher;
- the materials recycling process is more efficient and cleaner.
- It helps us take care of our environment and our planet:
- less waste ends up in the environment and landfills;
- our reliance on raw materials is reduced;
- there are energy savings compared with extraction, transportation and processing of raw materials for manufacturing of beverage containers;
- raw materials needed to manufacture beverage containers;
- our environmental footprint is reduced.
- It benefits the economy, for example through:
- the creation of thousands of jobs across Quebec;
- the development of new materials recycling channels;
- innovation in a growth sector;
- support for social economy organizations.
Return of redeemable beverage containers
Can I crush my cans to save space?
It is important never to crush refundable/returnable containers, especially in large quantities. This can give the impression that the containers have already been processed by a tumbling machine and that deposit-refund has already been refunded. As a result, it can become difficult to obtain a subsequent refund, raising questions throughout the returns process.
Can I put different sizes of cans in the same bag?
The Consignaction box and bags are specially designed for public spaces served by a specialized collection service. You can still purchase Consignaction material as a tool to facilitate the recovery of refundable/returnable containers, but please note that retailers are not obliged to accept bag returns as is.
If, however, you would like to use Consignaction bags for your refundable/returnable containers returns, you should know that as of November 1, all cans now carry a 10-cent deposit-refund and can therefore be mixed. In other words, you can now collect all your cans in a single bag. A bag full of cans (approx. 240 cans) is equivalent to $24. A bag of plastic bottles of various sizes (approx. 160 bottles) costs $16. A bag of 2-liter plastic bottles (about 40 bottles) is worth $4.
* You can buy our bags either directly from our online store, or from one of our resellers listed at the bottom of our store page.
Can I donate a bunch of containers that I’ve collected?
Yes, if you’ve accumulated a few bags full of redeemable containers, you can consider donating them to a charity. Many charitable organizations accept donations of redeemable beverage containers, so feel free to reach out to the organization of your choice and ask it.
With the deposit amount no longer printed on redeemable beverage containers, how do I know whether a particular container is redeemable?
As of November 1, 2023, there is no longer any requirement for beverage producers to print the deposit amount on redeemable containers. Generally speaking, all aluminum soft-drink cans and plastic bottles, as well as beer bottles, plus all aluminum cans that were not previously redeemable, are redeemable effective November 1, 2023.
The automated collector (reverse vending machine) rejected a redeemable beverage container when I tried to insert it. What do I do?
An automated collector machine may occasionally reject a beverage container. In that case, take the rejected container to the customer service counter to obtain a refund for the amount in question.
What is the amount of the deposit?
You can always obtain a cash refund from deposit-refund .
How do I return my beverage containers for a refund?
Redeemable beverage containers can be taken to a grocery store or other type of return location. Once there:
- Feed aluminum or plastic containers into an automated collector (reverse vending machine); the machine will print out a receipt for the total refund amount, which you then take to the customer service counter to receive your refund; and/or
- Take glass bottles to the customer service counter to receive your refund.
Why do almost all beverage containers now have a 10-cent deposit?
The deposit amount for most beverage containers has been set at 10 cents for two main reasons:
- Increasing the deposit amount to 10 cents is a way to encourage consumers to recover more beverage containers and achieve recovery objectives; i.e., it is an incentive.
- The other purpose of the legislative change is to standardize the deposit amounts, among other reasons to make things easier for consumers.
What is the amount of the deposit?
Effective November 1, 2023, the amount of the deposit on almost all redeemable beverage containers is 10 cents, except for large glass bottles of between 500 mL and 2 L (soft drinks, beer, kombucha), for which the amount is 25 cents.
Returnable beverage containers from November 1, 2023:
Note: For glass and plastic (PET) containers, only those that were already under deposit-refund before November 1, 2023 will be under the new, modernized deposit-refund system.
| Types of refundable container | Format | Examples | Deposit amount |
| All Aluminium beverges container | 100 ml to 2 L | All beverage containers | 0,10 $ |
| Plastic (PET) already under the old deposit system | 100 ml to 2 L | Soft drink | 0,10 $ |
| Single and multiple use container Glass already under the old deposit system | 100 ml to 499 ml | Beer / soft drink | 0,10 $ |
| Single and multiple use container Glass already under the old deposit system | 500 ml and more | Beer / soft drink | 0,25 $ |
Where to return
Should my retailer give me an empty bag in exchange for a full one?
Retailers are not required to provide an empty bag when returning full bags from refundable/returnable containers.
Can I take a bag full of cans or returnable plastic bottles back to my retailer?
Our bags, commonly referred to as "Consignaction bags", are designed for retailers and public places that have a recycling service directly from a bottler soft drinks or recycling company. For example, in restaurants, convenience stores, hospitals, etc.
Occasionally, some retailers will accept the bags as they are, without the need to use the tumbler machines. However, it's up to their individual discretion whether or not to accept them, as they are under no legal obligation to do so.
We always recommend calling a few places beforehand to make sure of their policies. Generally speaking, big-box retailers offer more opportunities for success.
Why does my dépanneur say that he has the right to refuse reimbursement of the deposit-refund when he charges it to me?
Your retailer may not be affected by the new regulations. To be sure, we invite you to consult the interactive map to find the return locations closest to you. If this is not the case, please contact us at [email protected].
My retailer will only take back containers sold at the store. Is this normal?
Refusing to refund a refundable container on the grounds that it is not sold in stores is an illegal practice. Please contact us at [email protected] so we can help raise awareness of this issue at retailer .
Where can I return my beverage containers for a refund and how do I find a list of locations?
If you want to take your redeemable beverage containers to a designated return location, you can consult an interactive map of locations on the the interactive return location map. The return location map will be available from October 2, 2023.
Recycling of containers included in the deposit system
What happens to the recovered materials?
You can make a thousand-and-one things out of empty cans or bottles. Not only can aluminum, plastic and glass be recycled into new containers, but they are also used to manufacture hundreds of practical items, from clothing to bicycles, cars, construction materials and much, much more.
What happens to my aluminum beverage containers once I return them? What about plastic ones? And glass?
Once you’ve finished your drink and returned the container, it embarks on its recycling journey. Depending on what it’s made of—aluminum, plastic or glass—your container will find new life as another beverage container or be repurposed into something new. To learn all about what happens to beverage containers, from the retailer’s shelves to the recovery facility, processing plant and recycler, go to theThe journey of your returnable beverage container page
Customer service
My office has bought a box. When are you going to empty it?
The purchase of Consignaction equipment, designed to facilitate the recovery of refundable/returnable containers, is not combined with a service contract. We encourage you to contact your retailer to find out if they accept full Consignaction bags.
Can I put different sizes of cans in the same bag?
The Consignaction box and bags are specially designed for public spaces served by a specialized collection service. You can still purchase Consignaction material as a tool to facilitate the recovery of refundable/returnable containers, but please note that retailers are not obliged to accept bag returns as is.
If, however, you would like to use Consignaction bags for your refundable/returnable containers returns, you should know that as of November 1, all cans now carry a 10-cent deposit-refund and can therefore be mixed. In other words, you can now collect all your cans in a single bag. A bag full of cans (approx. 240 cans) is equivalent to $24. A bag of plastic bottles of various sizes (approx. 160 bottles) costs $16. A bag of 2-liter plastic bottles (about 40 bottles) is worth $4.
* You can buy our bags either directly from our online store, or from one of our resellers listed at the bottom of our store page.