Clarification and additional information about an article in La Presse
Clarification - August 14, 2024
In order to clarify the facts following the publication of an article in La Presse on August 14, 2024, here is the full information that was sent to the journalist on August 13.
Status report on phase 2 of the deposit-refund project.
Working closely with retailer representatives, the Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QBCRA) is actively implementing the second phase of the modernization of the deposit-refund system. The new return sites Consignaction network is taking shape, and the pace is set to accelerate.
As stipulated in the regulation, the network will comprise some 1,500 return sites by March 1, 2025, spread across Quebec, including at least 1,300 spaces reserved for the recovery of redeemable beverage containers from retailers.
- The QRCBA has reached an agreement with the retailers. The QRCBA will supply the equipment for the Zones Consignaction, while the retailers are responsible for recycling.
- Over 200 premises have been identified for new return sites. By 2026, there will be over 400 return sites Consignaction and Consignaction+ locations.
- By the end of July, 10 return sites sites had opened, including two Consignaction+ sites in Granby (Eastern Townships) and LaSalle (Montreal), and eight Consignaction sites in four administrative regions: one in Lachute (Laurentians), one in Saint-Césaire (Montérégie), one in LaSalle (Montreal), one in Richelieu (Montérégie), one in Granby (Eastern Townships) and three in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie (Montreal).
- The response from citizens who have experienced these return sites is positive, and the Consignaction mobile application is very popular.
In light of studies carried out over the past year, and noting that return sites currently in operation have a higher capacity than expected, the QRCBA and retailers believe that the number of return sites located at retailers' premises (Zone Consignaction) should be revised downwards.
As a reminder:
Consignaction: unit return and express return
return sites Consignaction will take up residence in commercial premises in the deposit-refund colors. Citizens who use these spaces will be able to make use of the new-generation automated recycling machines (return by unit) or use the express return service. This service allows citizens to drop off their bags of unsorted containers by creating an account on the mobile application website, or by downloading the application onto their smartphone. Once the containers have been sorted and counted, their refund will be sent by secure electronic means.
Consignaction+: single, express and bulk returns
Larger in size and capable of handling very large volumes, return sites Consignaction+ will be of interest to citizens, industries, businesses and institutions (ICI) and on-site consumer establishments (ÉCSP). In addition to single and express returns, they will offer a bulk return service with even more powerful equipment capable of handling hundreds of containers in just a few minutes.
Zone Consignaction return items individually at retailers
Located at retailers, Consignaction Zones will allow items to be returned individually, using automated collection machines.