Frequently asked questions

The amount of the deposit varies by type of container: 

• 10 cents for most aluminum or plastic beverage containers of 100 ml to 2 L  

• 10 cents for glass soft drink and beer bottles of 499 ml and under 

• 25 cents for glass soft drink and beer bottles of over 500 ml  

These amounts are added to the cost you pay when purchasing beverages. They are refunded when you bring the empty containers back to a Consignaction return site. 

See the list of returnable containers here. 

There are two ways to get a refund for returnable containers: 

• Cash refund: You can get the value of your deposits refunded in cash at a self-serve kiosk when you bring your containers to a return site.  

• Refund via e-transfer: You can get the value of your deposits refunded electronically through the secure Consignaction app. 

Download the app: Apple / Google 

You can donate a refund amount to an organization by contacting them directly.

You can cash out your coupon at the self-serve kiosk located inside the Consignaction return site. Follow the directions displayed to scan your coupon and get your cash refund.

Take a photo of the coupon and email it to info@consignaction.ca. We will check that the coupon hasn’t already been cashed out. If it hasn’t, the amount will be added to your account in the app. 

A. Coupons do not have an expiration date. You can keep them to cash out at a Consignaction or Consignaction+ site of your choice. We recommend you take a photo of the coupon and keep it somewhere safe, away from sunlight and friction so the printing does not wear off. 

If the cash machine is temporarily out of order, we suggest coming back another day. Outages are generally only temporary, and service should resume soon. 

Keep your coupon. It does not have an expiration date and can be used later. We recommend you take a photo of the coupon and keep it somewhere safe, away from sunlight and friction so the printing does not wear off. 

If the cash machine is temporarily out of order, we suggest coming back another day. Outages are generally only temporary, and service should resume soon. 

Keep your coupon. It does not have an expiration date and can be used later. We recommend you take a photo of the coupon and keep it somewhere safe, away from sunlight and friction so the printing does not wear off. 

Yes. Retailers are obliged to indicate the amount of the deposit on the sales receipt. More precisely: “The amount of the deposit must also appear on the invoice for the person who purchases the product, on a line just below the line indicating the amount of the sale.”

To learn more, read Article 52 of the Regulation Respecting the Development, Implementation and Financial Support of a Deposit-Refund System For Certain Containers.

The Consignaction app makes it simpler to return deposit-refund containers. It has the following functionalities: 

• Finding points of service nearby 

• Receiving your refunds via e-transfer 

• Viewing your transactions and monitoring refunds  

The app is required to do an Express Return. 

• Download the app: Apple / Google 

After downloading the Consignaction app, you create a profile, and a unique QR code is assigned to you. When you visit a Consignaction or Consignaction+ return site, you identify yourself either with your telephone number or your QR code, depending on the service you want to use (Single-Unit, Express or Bulk returns), and then you can return your containers. 

You can download the app from our website https://consignaction.ca/en/lieux-de-retour/ or you can get it from your smartphone’s application store, depending on the type of phone: Google Play or Apple Store.  

1. Download the Consignaction app and create your profile. 
2. When you go to a return centre, identify yourself using either your telephone number or the QR code in your app.
3. The containers you return will be counted, and the amount of your refund will appear in your account balance in the app. 

 To get the money: 

• Click the “$” icon located to the right of your balance. 
• Follow the instructions for the e-transfer. 

 You will be asked to create a security question (valid only for this transfer), and then you will receive an Interac transfer at the email address linked to your account. 

Depending on your financial institution, processing can take up to 7 business days, but in most cases, the money will be deposited within 24 hours. 

Launch the app and click the “$” icon on the right of your account balance. 

The app will ask you to create a single-use security question, valid only for this transfer. 

An Interac transfer will be sent to the email address you used when creating your app profile. 

Depending on your financial institution, processing can take up to 7 business days, but in most cases, the amount will be credited to the user’s bank account within 24 hours of the request. 

 If you forget your secret answer, go ahead and enter 3 incorrect answers. This will automatically cancel the e-transfer, and the funds will be returned to your Consignaction account. You can then make a new request to transfer the funds and choose a new secret answer. 

If you’re using a Hotmail, Outlook or Live email address, the Interac email may have been automatically blocked by your email service, even if it doesn’t appear in your spam folder. 

To rectify this situation, add the following addresses to your Safe Senders list: notify@payments.interac.ca, catch@payments.interac.ca and interac.ca. 

Once this is done, go back to the Consignaction app and restart your request for an e-transfer. If you don’t accept the original transfer, it will automatically be cancelled, and the funds will be returned to your Consignaction account. 

E-transfers are automatically cancelled if the amount is not deposited within 7 days or after 3 failed attempts due to, e.g., an incorrect email address or wrong answer to the security question. When the e-transfer is cancelled, the amount is automatically re-deposited into your Consignaction account. You can request a new transfer via the app. 

You can change your email address right in the app, by going to the Account section. 

If you forget your password, follow these simple steps to create a new one: 

• On the app’s “Log in” page, select “Forgot password?” 

• Follow the instructions to reset your password (a link will be sent via email). 

If you did not receive the email to reset your password, here are some steps to take: 

• Check your spam folder.  

• Make sure there were no typos in the email address you entered when requesting the password reset. 

• Wait a few minutes. There may be a brief delay before you receive the email. 

• Request a new password by using “Forgot password?” again in the app.  

If after these steps you still don’t receive a reset email, contact Customer Service for assistance at 1-877-CANETTE (1-877-226-3883). 

To change the app language, tap the arrow at the top right corner of the screen. Select “Language”, then choose French or English.

When app functionalities don’t work (like the camera or location), it’s usually because of your device settings. Make sure the Consignaction app has access to the camera and location services in your phone settings. 

Yes. You can use the app on several devices. Simply log in with the same ID. However, avoid having multiple sessions open at once, to prevent errors.  

To find the return site nearest you, see the return site map. 

There are several types of return sites for your deposit-refund containers in Quebec: 

• Zone Consignaction: These kiosks are designated areas located inside participating retailers. 

• Consignaction: These return sites accept Single-Unit Returns and Express Returns.  

• Consignaction+: These return sites accept Single-Unit Returns, Express Returns and Bulk Returns.  

To find out what services are offered at each site and find the return site nearest you, see the Consignaction return site map. 

 Consignaction and Consignaction + return sites:  

• Daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Thursdays and Fridays 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

• Sites are closed on January 1, June 24 and December 25. Reduced hours on January 2 (1 p.m. to 7 p.m.), December 24 (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.), December 26 (1 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and December 31 (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)  

Zones Consignaction (kiosks inside participating retailers): 

• Same hours of operation as the retailer. 

Yes. Kiosks are open the same days and times as the retailer they are located in, due to regulatory requirements. 

Express Return is available at all Consignaction and Consignaction+ sites. 

To find out what services are offered at each site and find the return site nearest you, see the Consignaction return site map. 

• Express Return: This option is available at Consignaction and Consignaction+ sites. It is used to drop off bags of unsorted beverage containers. Because the bags are sorted and counted subsequently, the mobile app is required to identify the user and process the refund. 

• Bulk Return: This option is exclusively offered at Consignaction+ sites. You deposit your unsorted containers into the machine, which counts them immediately. 

To find out what services are offered at each site and find the return site nearest you, see the Consignaction return site map. 

Here are the main reasons why some retailers no longer accept these containers: 

• Retailers with a sales area of 375 m2 (4,036 ft2) or less (e.g., small grocery or convenience store) are no longer required to take returnable beverage containers.  

• Other retailers no longer accept returnable containers because they are grouped with another return site located nearby, so are no longer required to offer the service themselves.  

• Some retailers who used to participate in the recovery of returnable beverage containers have now opted out.  

A kiosk is an outdoor facility equipped with reverse vending machines, located close to a retailer’s main building, e.g., in the parking lot. People can drop off their redeemable beverage containers there, except for redeemable beer bottles (MFCs), which must be taken to the service counter inside. Kiosks are branded with the Consignaction colours and the Zone Consignaction symbol :

The service provided at a Zone Consignaction return point is:

• Single-Unit Return: via reverse vending machines or at the customer service counter.

To learn more about the different types of return site and the services they provide, read Fact Sheet 4.

The services provided at a Consignaction return site are:

• Single-Unit Return: Deposit-return beverage containers one by one via next-generation automated reverse vending machines. via reverse vending machines.
• Express Return: Drop-off clear bags containing unsoreted of deposit-return containers.
  • Containers are counted later, and the refund is issued via electronic transfer.
  • Important: This service requires the Consignaction mobile app.

To learn more about the different types of return site and the services they provide, read Fact Sheet 4.

The services provided at a Consignaction return site are:

• Single-Unit Return: Deposit-return beverage containers one by one via next-generation automated reverse vending machines. via reverse vending machines.
• Express Return: Drop-off clear bags containing unsoreted of deposit-return containers.
  • Containers are counted later, and the refund is issued via electronic transfer.
  • Important: This service requires the Consignaction mobile app.
• Bulk Return : Drop-off large quantities of unsorted deposit-return containers.

To learn more about the different types of return site and the services they provide, read Fact Sheet 4.

There are several types of return sites for your deposit-refund containers in Quebec: 

• Zone Consignaction: These kiosks are designated areas located inside participating retailers. 

• Consignaction: These return sites accept Single-Unit Returns and Express Returns.  

• Consignaction+: These return sites accept Single-Unit Returns, Express Returns and Bulk Returns.  

To find out what services are offered at each site and find the return site nearest you, see the Consignaction return site map. 

Simply scan one container at a time, and the refund is calculated automatically.

Yes. Use the Consignaction app to scan the QR code, or enter your telephone number manually on the touch screen of the Single-Unit Return machine. Your account will be credited for the containers you return. Use the mobile app to request to get your refund via Interac transfer.

Download the app: Apple / Google 

The machines are updated remotely, but some new products may not be recognized yet. 

Containers may also be refused for these reasons: 

• The barcode is dirty or unreadable. 

• The container is damaged or crushed. 

• The container is not eligible for a deposit refund (check the list). 

• The product is not registered in Quebec. 

If an eligible container is refused, you can bring it to a service counter to get your refund. 

Express Return is offered at all Consignaction and Consignaction+ sites. This option lets you drop off your containers quickly and get your refund later via e-transfer. 

• Put your aluminum, plastic and glass returnable containers in transparent bags with a maximum capacity of 90 L. Do not include containers that are crushed or without a label, because they will not be recognized by the scanner. 

• Go to the Express Return section.  

• On the touch screen, either enter the telephone number associated with your account or use the mobile app to scan the QR code displayed on the screen. 

• Print the sticker labels and affix them to your bags. Put your bags in the designated area. 

Important: To use the Express Return option, you must have a Consignaction account and have downloaded the Consignaction mobile app. 

For an Express Return, you must use transparent bags with a maximum capacity of 90 L, to allow for easy processing and checking of containers. 

Yes. Plastic, aluminum and glass containers can all be put in the same bag for an Express Return.  

The bags dropped off for an Express Return are generally counted within 7 to 14 days. Once the processing is done, the amount of the refund will be added to your account balance in the Consignaction app. 

If your drop-off was less than 7 days ago, please be patient. If your bag still hasn’t been processed after 14 days, you can flag this in the Consignaction mobile app. 

 It generally takes 7 days to count the containers and send your refund. However, during busy periods, it may take up to 14 days. If you dropped off your bags more than 14 days ago with the Express Return option, please go to the Consignaction app and do the following: 

• Click the white arrow in the top right, next to your ID number, and select “Contact Us.” 

• Select the option “Express Return bag count not received after 14 days.” 

• In the comment field, enter the number of bags and the date of the drop-off.  

• Click “Submit.” 

• Our agents will process your request shortly. 

To guarantee maximum precision, high-tech equipment individually counts all containers dropped off for an Express Return. 

If your refund amount seems incorrect, it may be because some containers were not recognized. Here are the steps to take to avoid this type of situation: 

• Do not crush or deform the containers. 

• Do not include very soiled containers. 

• Leave the labels on plastic bottles, because they contain the barcode. 

You can also check the List of returnable beverage containers to make sure your containers are eligible for a refund. Some products, like Yoplait or Ensure, are not eligible for a deposit-refund because they are considered foods rather than beverages.  

Your container count will be displayed in the Consignaction app once the bags are processed.

Express Return stickers are designed to adhere securely to the bags. If, however, a sticker was to come off during handling, our teams will do everything they can to identify the bag using the information available.

No. There is no cost to use the Express Return option. The full deposit refund for your eligible containers is deposited into your account in the Consignaction app once the bags have been processed.

Bulk Returns are only available at Consignaction+ sites. This option lets you pour your containers into a machine that counts them automatically at a pace of 200 to 250 items per minute. 

Any containers not recognized by the machine are diverted into a rejection chute for you to take back. The chute is behind the small door located to the left of the receptacle of the Bulk Return station. 

Choose how you want your refund: 

• Cash: A coupon will be issued by the machine after your containers are sorted. 

• E-transfer: Before dropping your containers into the machine, scan the displayed QR code or manually enter your telephone number.  

Yes. Plastic, aluminum and glass containers can all be put in the same bag when you are selecting the Bulk Return option. 

No. The Consignaction app is not required for a Bulk Return. 

However, if you want to receive your refund via e-transfer, then you must register and use the mobile app before drop-off. 

Otherwise, you must claim your refund using the coupon issued by the machine once your containers are counted. 

 In Quebec, the following beverage containers can be returned for a refund: 

• Ready-to-drink aluminum beverage cans of 100 ml to 2 L 

• Ready-to drink plastic beverage containers of 100 ml to 2 L 

• Glass soft drink and beer bottles  

See which containers are returnable and which ones aren’t on the page Targeted and non-targeted containers. Also see the List of returnable beverage containers. 

In Quebec, non-redeemable beverage containers include:

• Glass bottles of wine and spirits (redeemable in 2027)
• Cartons of juice, milk and other beverages (redeemable in 2027)
• Drinkable yogurt and meal supplements
• Family-size canned juices and cans
• All beverage containers of LESS THAN 100 mL and MORE THAN 2 L, regardless of material

To find out which beverage containers are redeemable and which are not, see the page Targeted and non-targeted containers on the website or the List of returnable beverage containers and deposit-refund.

No. Wine bottles are not currently covered by the deposit-refund system. 

However, they will be included in Phase 3 of the program expansion, planned for March 2027. 

Some containers may not be recognized. Here are the steps to take to keep this from happening: 

• Do not crush or deform the containers. 
• Do not include very soiled containers. 
• Leave the labels on plastic bottles, because they contain the barcode. 

You can also check the List of returnable beverage containers to make sure your containers are eligible for a refund. Some products, like Yoplait or Ensure, are not eligible for a deposit-refund because they are considered foods rather than beverages. 

A container may be refused if it’s not eligible for the deposit-refund program, if it’s too damaged to allow for identification or if it was purchased outside Quebec. If you’re unsure, check with a staff member on-site or contact Consignaction’s Customer Service for assistance. 

List of returnable beverage containers 

No. Since the deposit-refund system is managed provincially, containers purchased outside Quebec are not eligible for a refund.

To make your visit more efficient and speed up container processing, here’s what to do before going to the return site: 

• Make sure all containers are completely empty. 

• Do not crush cans or plastic bottles. 

• Keep labels on plastic bottles so they can be identified. 

• If you are using Express Return, make sure to use transparent bags of maximum 90 L and comply with the return limits in force. 

• Download the Consignaction app to find the return site nearest you, to get your refund via e-transfer or to use the Express Return option. 

Preparing in advance reduces your wait time and makes it easier to process your containers.  

With plastic bottles, it is very important to keep the label because it has the barcode that’s used by the automated system to identify the container and confirm it is eligible for a refund. A bottle with a missing label may not be recognized and would then be ineligible for a refund. 

If the machine refuses a container due to a missing or unreadable label, you can ask the staff at the service desk to check its eligibility and get your refund. 

It is not necessary to wash containers before bringing them back. However, they must be emptied of their contents to facilitate handling and processing. We strongly recommend rinsing the containers to reduce the risk of contamination and foul odours.

Yes. Any transparent bag with a capacity of 90 litres or less is accepted.

Yes. 

• At Consignaction return sites: You can drop off a maximum of 10 bags per visit and/or per day when using the Express Return option.

• At Consignaction+ return sites: You can drop off a maximum of 20 bags per visit/day.

This limit ensures fast service and helps manage available space.

You can order Consignaction transparent bags and Coroplast (corrugated polypropylene) boxes from our online store. 

Please note that you do not have to specifically use a Consignaction bag to return your containers. Any transparent bag that does not exceed 90 L may be used. 

Yes.At Consignaction and Consignaction+ sites, plastic, aluminum and glass containers can all be put in the same bag.  

No. At Zone Consignaction kiosks at participating retailers, containers must be sorted by material. 

 Yes. The eligible containers collected can be returned to a Consignaction site to get the applicable refund. Please note that a limit of 10 bags per visit/day can be returned to a Consignaction site, and a limit of 20 bags per day to a Consignaction+ site. 

Nonprofit and charitable organizations and social economy enterprises may be eligible for free supplies. You can make a request by filling out the appropriate form. 

If you anticipate returning more than 20 bags, we recommend that you contact us well before holding your activity, at ecsp@consignaction.ca. Our team will help you organize your container return. 

You can order Consignaction transparent bags and Coroplast (corrugated polypropylene) boxes at our online store. 

If your organization is a nonprofit corporation, a charity or a social or solidarity economy enterprise, you may be eligible to receive free supplies. You can make a request by filling out the appropriate form. 

Bags of returnable bottles collected by organizations for a fundraiser are not accepted by retailers. The citizens or organization in charge of the collection must bring the bags to a Consignaction (max 10 bags) or Consignaction+ (max 20 bags) site. See the map of return sites.  

If you anticipate collecting more than 20 bags of returnable containers, we recommend that you contact us well in advance of your event at ecsp@consignaction.ca. Our team can advise you and offer tailored solutions. 

Deposit refund is a method of recycling in which an amount is collected temporarily when a container is sold. This deposit encourages citizens to bring their containers back to a return site to get a refund. Citizens only lose the deposit if they choose not to return the container for a refund. 
 
Recycling beverage containers is a way of taking action to protect the environment. Sorting containers by type of material and processing them in a closed-loop system reserved for returnable containers ensures that 100% of these containers are recycled.

A deposit-refund system for beverage containers means:

• Helping to care for our environment and the planet:
  • Less waste ends up in nature 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;
  • Our environmental footprint is reduced.

• Better-quality materials:
  • The materials recycling process is more efficient and cleaner;
  • The quantity of unwanted residual materials is reduced;
  • There is less sorting to do for the packers;
  • Recovered materials’ resale value is higher.

• Economic benefits, 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.

When citizens bring deposit-refund beverage containers to a return site, they can be sure that 100% of the containers will be recycled. The deposit-refund system is the most effective and reliable way to handle returnable beverage containers. Sorting containers by material at the source optimizes the recycling process. This system was designed specifically for deposit-return beverage containers.

The QBCRA is a nonprofit organization tasked by the government with managing the deposit-refund system for returnable beverage containers. It is responsible for developing, implementing, financing and managing the deposit-refund system according to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle. The QBCRA acts on behalf of beverage producers involved in the recovery, reuse, recycling and reclamation of beverage containers in Quebec.

Consignaction is the official emblem of deposit-refund in Quebec and the brand used to promote the operations of the Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QBCRA) to the general public and stakeholders. Consignaction programs have promoted recovery to citizens and companies since 2001.

The system has been in place since 1984 and no longer meets current needs. It’s being updated to recycle more beverage containers, improve the quality of recycled materials and make it simpler to return containers. 

Here are the major changes: 

• Making more containers returnable 
• Standardizing the deposit at 10 cents for most containers
• Gradually adding plastic containers, then glass and then multi-layer cardboard
• Creating a modernized network of return sites, including Consignaction sites, Consignaction+ sites and Zone Consignaction kiosks at participating retailers 

The goal is to recycle 90% of returnable containers by 2032 and to better recover materials to lessen their impact on the environment. 

See: Fact Sheet 1 – Key Stages in the Modernization of Deposit-Refund System in Quebec.

After containers are dropped off at a return site, they begin their journey toward recycling. Depending on the material (aluminum, plastic or glass), the containers will become other beverage containers or find another use. To learn more about containers’ recycling journey from store shelf to recycling plant, click “The container’s journey.”