Montreal, September 28, 2023 – The first phase of a vast project to modernize and expand the deposit-refund , and this throughout Quebec. In addition to all beverage containers already subject to a deposit, all aluminum containers from 100 ml to 2 l will be added. In addition, the amount of the deposit-refund will increase to 10 cents on most beverage containers. Containers collected through the recycling system deposit-refund are 100% recycled.

"The modernization of deposit-refund is an eagerly-awaitedcircular economy project. For almost 40 years, Quebecers have been strongly supporting this initiative and contributing to its success," points out Normand Bisson, President and CEO of the Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QBCRA). "Together with all our partners in the recovery chain, we're doing everything we can to welcome new volumes and raise the recovery rate from 73% to 90% over time."

At the same time, the QRCBA will retain the Consignaction brand as its official emblem to promote its activities to the general public and stakeholders. The modernization of deposit-refund is a necessary environmental project which aims to recover and recycle a greater number of beverage containers, and to develop a network of channels for the recovery of materials, all with a view to reducing our ecological footprint. Currently, some 2.5 billion beer and soft drink containers are targeted by deposit-refund. Eventually, the number of redeemable beverage containers will rise to around 5 billion.

November 1, 2023 marks an important milestone for the responsible management of residual materials in Quebec. As of this date, RECYC-QUÉBEC will transfer responsibility for the system to the QRCBA and beverage container producers, while continuing its role as a federator for the industry, supporting it in this major transition. This initiative contributes directly to preserving natural resources by reducing the quantity of materials used.

Main changes in phase 1

Expansion of the deposit-refund to all aluminum beverage containers

The modernization of the deposit-refund will be deployed in two phases. On November 1, 2023, the deposit-refund will be extended to all beverages sold in aluminum containers of 100 ml to 2 l. The annual volume of beverage containers covered by the deposit-refund will thus increase by more than 300 million units. Aluminum is an infinitely recyclable material. It is estimated that approximately 60 days pass between the time the can is deposited and the time it is again on sale at the
rays of a retailer .

deposit-refund increases to 10 cents
The amount of the deposit-refund will increase to 10 cents for the majority of affected beverage containers, with the exception of certain 500 ml to 2 L glass bottles, already subject to a deposit, which will be subject to a deposit of 25 cents. For standardization reasons, the amount of the deposit-refund Beer cans over 450 ml, previously deposited at 20 cents, will be adjusted to 10 cents. Citizens are invited to return their 20-cent beverage containers now for a refund of
there deposit-refund of 20 cents.

"The amount of the deposit-refund represents a significant financial incentive to encourage
citizens to return more beverage containers to the system deposit-refund and to their
give a second life,” says Mr. Bisson.

Interactive map of Consignaction return site
Under the regulations, all retailers selling redeemable beverages and whose sales area exceeds 375 m2 (or 4,036 ft2 ) will be required to take back redeemable beverage containers by November 1, 2023, either directly or through a grouping agreement with other retailers. Retailers of equal or lesser surface area are not covered by this obligation, but are invited to participate in the deposit-refund system on a voluntary basis during the first phase of modernization.
during the first phase of the modernization.

By November 1, 2023, residents will be able to consult the return sites map at www.consignaction.ca. Gradually, a wider range of return sites will be added to the map, either at grocery stores or in street-front spaces that will accommodate larger volumes. As a result, by spring 2025, some 1,500 return sites items will be branded Consignaction to meet the needs of citizens, businesses and organizations.

On-site consumption establishments

As of November 1, all food-service establishments (FSEs), including restaurants and institutional cafeterias, will be required to participate in deposit-refund.
Any establishment serving meals to at least 75 people at a time will have to register on the
on theQBCRA website: www.aqrcb.org in October.

Phase 2 – Expansion of the deposit-refund to all beverage containers from 100 ml to 2 l

As of March 1, 2025, the deposit-refund will expand to all beverage containers from 100 ml to 2 l made of aluminum, glass, plastic or multi-layer, such as wine and spirits bottles, water bottles and milk or juice cartons.

The Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QBCRA) and Consignaction

The Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QBCRA) is the designated management organization mandated to develop, implement, finance and manage the deposit-refund system, which has been modernized according to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle. The QRCBA brings together beverage producers involved in the recovery, reuse, recycling and reclamation of beverage containers in Quebec. Since 2001, Consignaction programs have been
promoting the recovery of redeemable beverage containers among citizens and businesses. To find out more, visit consignaction.ca

For more information :

Annie Jolicoeur,consignaction