Frequently asked questions for members
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.
Producer
Which beverage containers are not covered by the extension of deposit-refund ?
Some beverage containers are not covered by the extended deposit-refund :
- beverage containers LESS than 100 ml and MORE than 2 l;
- detergent or soap containers;
- concentrates, ready-to-mix products, condiments (e.g. broths, sauces);
- medicated syrups;
- beverages sold in flexible packaging (e.g., flexible or "vinier" type pouches);
- juices sold in cans, such as tomato or pineapple juice;
- containers where the beverage is served at the point of sale (e.g., a cardboard coffee glass).
How often should the list of products you sell be updated?
The list of products marketed by the producer must be updated at least 30 days before a new product is marketed. The AQRCB will periodically ask producers to check that the list in their file is up to date.
Which beverage containers are covered by the modernization of deposit-refund ?
Under the regulations, the product covered by the modernization is defined as follows: "product: any liquid intended for human consumption which is sold in a sealed container and which, at the time it is purchased, is ready to be drunk (...)" (article 2). Meal replacements are not considered to be beverages.
For the purposes of communication with the general public and stakeholders, here are the details of the beverage containers covered by the two phases of modernization.
Phase 1 - November 1, 2023 :
All aluminum beverage containers from 100 ml to 2 l. Added containers include vegetable juices, carbonated waters, flavored waters, juices and green tea.
All returnable beverage containers (aluminum, plastic and glass).
Phase 2 - March 1, 2025 :
All aluminum, glass, plastic and multi-layer cardboard beverage containers from 100 ml to 2 l. Containers to be added include water bottles, wine, cider and spirits bottles, and juice and milk cartons.
*To find out more, consult the original regulations and the regulatory amendments:
Are there any penalties if you don't become QBCRA member or don't meet your obligations?
Administrative fines and even criminal penalties are provided for in the regulations for organizations that fail to meet their obligations, in particular that of declaring the products marketed or other information requested (cf. articles 178 and 186).
*To find out more, consult the original regulations and regulatory amendments:
How can you become QBCRA member under the new deposit-refund system? What information do you need to provide?
All producers must become QBCRA member (cf. articles 137 et seq.) by February 28, 2023. If you have not yet registered, please do so as soon as possible by filling in the form below. form on the AQRCB website.
The main information required to become a member is :
- your full contact details;
- types of products marketed, brands and your status with regard to these products (brand owner, first supplier, etc.).
- bar code: all refundable beverage containers must be marked with a bar code that can be read to identify the type, weight, volume and description of the product marketed, placed on the market or otherwise distributed in the container, as well as the associated deposit-refund charge.
What are your obligations under the new deposit-refund system as a producer?
You are required by law to play an active role in modernizing the deposit-refund system. In particular, you are required to become QBCRA member, the management organization designated by RECYC-QUÉBEC, to develop, implement and finance the deposit-refund system.
To become a member, complete the form on the AQRCB website.
*To find out more, consult the initial regulations and regulatory amendments:
What do you mean by producer?
Any person who owns or, as the case may be, uses a name or trademark, and who is domiciled or has an establishment in Quebec. If a producer does not have a business or establishment in Quebec, this refers to the person domiciled in Quebec, or who has an establishment in Quebec, who acts as first supplier of the product in that province (cf. articles 5 and 6). Producers include: producer-retailers, first importers, first distributors who do not hold the trademark, trademark holders, etc.
*To find out more, consult the original regulations and the regulatory amendments:
Producers whose beverage containers are returnable for the first time
How does billing work?
The AQRCB does not issue invoices. You must file a monthly declaration of returnable beverage container units marketed and make the necessary remittances directly to the AQRCB (for more details, see the question on monthly declarations and remittances at deposit-refund).
How do you file your monthly declarations and remit your deposit-refund payments?
Most beverage containers will be subject to a 10-cent deposit, with the exception of certain 500-ml to 2-l glass bottles, which will be subject to a 25-cent deposit. As a producer, you must invoice retailers and wholesalers for deposit-refund amounts at the time of sale. Between the 10th and 15th of each month, you must declare the previous month's sales and, along with the declaration, remit the deposit-refund amounts collected for that month to the AQRCB.
Producer's financial contribution
What about displaying ecofees?
The value of the producer's contribution (see question on financial contribution) can be internalized in the product costs by the producer, but you can also make it visible by including a separate charge on his invoices.
Can the AQRCB demand a financial contribution from the producer?
The deposit-refund system has been designed to be self-financing. However, it may happen that a particular type of beverage container results in a system deficit. In such cases, the AQRCB may demand a contribution from the producers concerned (cf. article 94).
*To find out more, consult the initial regulations and regulatory amendments:
Multi-fillable container management (CRM)
Multi-fill containers (MFCs) used to be a private deposit-refund managed by brewers. How will this work from November 1st?
Until March 1, 2025, the AQRCB is planning a transition period during which brewers will continue to collect multiple-fill containers (MFCs) under the same conditions as at present.
Producer-retailer
You are a producer-retailer. How can you get the information you need?
Information is available in the Members section of the AQRCB website: www.aqrcb.org
You are a producer-retailer (house brand), what are your obligations?
You have the same obligations as any other producer. It is the responsibility of the owner-user of a name or trademark to declare the products that he commercializes, markets or otherwise distributes in Quebec, whether he is domiciled in Quebec or not (see sections 5 and 6.2).
*For more information, consult the initial regulations and regulatory amendments:
Identification of returnable beverage containers
Is it still possible to use plastic sleeves or labels?
The AQRCB asks that you refrain from using plastic sleeves or labels on aluminum beverage containers, as their presence may prevent the material from being recycled under the best conditions. If you choose to use this type of labelling and the material is devalued as a result, you may be charged for this devaluation. We recommend printing on cans or affixing a paper label.
How must beverage containers be identified from November 1, 2023?
- As of November 1, 2023, the words "Consigné Québec XX ¢ Refund" will no longer be required on returnable beverage containers. However, it is compulsory to keep this mention on all returnable beverage containers marketed until October 31, 2023.
- Recyclable" is a generic term that is tolerated, but not recommended, to avoid any risk of confusion on the part of the public.
- The phrase " refundable where required by law" is an accepted generic term.
- All beverage containers must bear a visible and legible UPC code.
Amount of deposit-refund
Can the stocks of returnable beverage containers bearing the "old" deposit-refund amounts be disposed of? Until when?
You may dispose of your beverage container stock, labels and can tops marked deposit-refund after November 1, 2023. However, the AQRCB asks that you do not order lids and labels bearing this designation after this date.
What about multi-fill containers (MFCs)?
Certain multi-fill containers (MFCs) may be subject to a different deposit-refund , but only within the rules prescribed by the regulations and subject to prior approval by the AQRCB. Article 19 of the regulation provides further details concerning CRMs.
Any amount set or modified by deposit-refund must first be approved by the Minister. There is no mandatory signage on the beverage container.
*To find out more, consult the initial regulation and the regulatory amendments:
Why do almost all beverage containers now have a 10-cent deposit?
The standardization of almost all returnable beverage containers at 10 cents is intended to simplify life for citizens and other deposit-refund stakeholders, while ensuring an effective financial incentive.
How much is deposit-refund ?
On November1, 2023, the deposit-refund fee will be reduced to $0.10 for all affected beverage containers, with the exception of certain 500 ml to 2 l glass bottles, which will be refunded at 25 cents.
Consult the table of the amounts of the deposit-refund :
deposit-refund - Article 21 - PDF
pick-up returnable beverage containers
Who will collect returnable beverage containers from retailers?
The AQRCB plans to enter into transitional agreements with reclaimers to continue reclamation activities as they currently stand for the period from November 1, 2023 to February 28, 2025.
A tender process for transportation will be launched in 2024 to meet recovery needs in the system as of March 1, 2025.
Invoice
Do I have to enter the new deposit-refund amount on the bill?
You must indicate the new deposit-refund amount on any sales invoice you issue from November 1, 2023. This amount must appear on a separate line of the invoice and is non-taxable.
Communication
How can you contribute to communication efforts to modernize deposit-refund ?
As a producer, you can participate in communication efforts by relaying information to your target audiences.
How will you be informed of upcoming changes?
We'll keep you informed of upcoming changes in a variety of ways, including :
- the Association québécoise de récupération des contenants de boissons website at www.aqrcb.org, which will be updated regularly;
- to the newsletters sent to you;
- to a toolbox distributed via the newsletter;
- communications to the media, who in turn inform the general public.
Customer service
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions, please contact AQRCB customer service at 1 877 CANETTE (1 877 226-3883) or at the e-mail address reserved for producers: [email protected].