Clarification on the policies in effect for returns of redeemable beverage containers

Clarification - January 18, 2024

In response to articles in La presse on January 17, 2024, the Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QRCBA) wishes to make the following clarifications. 

Every retailer entered on the list of return sites and acting in that capacity, whether they are required to do so under the Regulation or have voluntarily agreed to accept returns of beverage containers until February 18, 2025, must accept returns of all redeemable beverage containers regardless of beverage brand or container type. The products in question are as follows : all beverage cans, plastic soft-drink bottles and glass soft-drink and beer bottles of between 10 mL and 2 L. 

A retailer targeted by the Regulation may opt out of accepting returns of  redeemable beverage containers provided that they have formally notified the QRCBA that they wish to be a part of a grouping of retailers and refer customers to another return site that is nearby, and that said grouping has been approved by the QRCBA. In that case, the retailer is responsible for ensuring that their name is not on the list and map of return sites. They are also required to post clear signage at the entrance to their store telling people where they should return their containers. 

It may be that some retailers have not taken yet the opportunity to properly train all of their staff members or to make all the necessary arrangement to fully comply with the regulatory requirements. When it learns of such cases, the QRCBA takes the appropriate measures, and has noted that retailers are usually willing to co-operate and remedy the situation following a simple phon call or visit from one of its inspectors. 

As for the list and map of return locations, the handful of anomalies mentioned in the La Presse coverage have already been corrected. The QRCBA make sure to check and validate the information contained on the map, which is provided by retailers and is being progressively updated. The map tool is of course dynamic and change in response to different events such as the addition of new return location, the creation of a new retailer grouping, etc.

We thank anyone who notices an error in the application of the Regulations or in the list of participating retailers, and urge them to report it to the QRCBA by e-mail ([email protected]) or by telephone (1-877-CANETTE). We normally respond to messages within 24 to 48 hours.