Frequently Asked Questions for Retailers

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Yes, all Consignaction return sites are accessible by people with reduced mobility.

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. 

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.  

 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. 

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. 

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. 

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.”

A retailer is a person who operates a retail business that sells beverages in sufficient quantity to be subject to deposit-refund regulations.

To learn more, read Article 2 of the Regulation Respecting the Development, Implementation and Financial Support of a Deposit-Refund System For Certain Containers.

Under the Regulation Respecting the Development, Implementation and Financial Support of a Deposit-Refund System For Certain Containers (Article 45), retailers are either targeted or not targeted.

Targeted retailer: A retailer who sells a certain* quantity of beverages subject to deposit-refund and whose sales area exceeds 375 m² (4,036 ft²). This retailer is obliged to accept returns of redeemable beverage containers.

*To learn more, read Article 2 of the Regulation Respecting the Development, Implementation and Financial Support of a Deposit-Refund System For Certain Containers.

Non-targeted retailer: A retailer with a sales area equal to or less than 375 m² (4,036 ft²)* for example, a small grocery store or a dépanneur. Such non-targeted retailers have no longer been obliged, since November 1, 2023, to accept returns of redeemable beverage containers.




In the modernized network of return sites set up by the QBCRA, participating retailers are permanent, temporary or voluntary.

Permanent retailer: A retailer, whether targeted or not, that is part of the network of return sites on a permanent basis. A permanent retailer can be either:

• A targeted retailer located outside the regulatory service radius of a Consignaction or Consignaction+ return site; or
• A non-targeted retailer located in a region where there is no targeted retailer, or no Consignaction or Consignaction+ return site is planned.

Temporary retailer: A retailer, whether targeted or not, that is part of the network of return sites on a temporary basis. When a Consignaction return site opens or when a Zone Consignaction return point is designated permanent, a retailer in the vicinity of that return site, within a radius stipulated in the Regulation, may group together with that site. This retailer is designated as temporary, because once it is grouped with the return site, it is no longer an integral part of the network.

Voluntary retailer: A non-targeted retailer that has decided to continue accepting returns of redeemable beverage containers on a volunteer basis even though it has had no obligation to do so anymore. Volunteer retailers sign an agreement with the QBCRA authorizing them to accept returns of containers.

Note: A voluntary retailer must accept returns of all types of redeemable beverage containers, not only the ones that it sells.

Grouped retailer: A target or non-targeted retailer that has grouped together with another Consignaction or Consignaction+ return site, or a permanent Zone Consignaction return point after obtaining authorization from the QBCRA. Retailers may group together under certain conditions.

*To learn more, read Articles 48 and 49 of the Regulation Respecting the Development, Implementation and Financial Support of a Deposit-Refund System For Certain Containers.

Yes. A retailer who fails to comply with its obligations may be subject to financial penalties, as provided for in the Regulation.

Yes. All retailers selling beverages in redeemable containers have been required, since October 15, 2023, to register on the Retailers portal. This is a regulatory obligation.

To learn more, read Article 54.1 of the Regulation Respecting the Development, Implementation and Financial Support of a Deposit-Refund System For Certain Containers.

No. Retailers are not required to produce accountability reports. Only producers have an obligation to do so.

If a retailer is targeted by the Regulation, its main obligations are to:

• Register with the QBCRA/Consignaction by creating an account on the Retailers portal.
• Accept returns of all redeemable beverage containers and refund the amount of the deposit, regardless of where the containers were purchased.
• Display the amount of the deposit where beverages in redeemable containers are sold.
• Post a sign at the entrance to the business stating that it is a redeemable beverage container return site.

To learn more, read Article 45 and following of the Regulation Respecting the Development, Implementation and Financial Support of a Deposit-Refund System For Certain Containers.

If a retailer is not targeted by the Regulation or is part of a grouping of retailers, its main obligations are to:

• Display the amount of the deposit where beverages in redeemable containers are sold.
• Post, inside or at the entrance to the business, the address of the nearest return site.

To learn more, read Article 53 of the Regulation Respecting the Development, Implementation and Financial Support of a Deposit-Refund System For Certain Containers.

No. A participating retailer (targeted or non-targeted) must accept returns of all redeemable beverage containers and refund the associated deposit, even if they do not sell the product in question.

To learn more, read Article 45 of the Regulation Respecting the Development, Implementation and Financial Support of a Deposit-Refund System For Certain Containers.

Yes, any retailer who sells beverages in redeemable containers is required to display certain information at their place of business:

1) Inside, they must:

• Display the amount of the deposit where beverages in redeemable containers are sold. Danglers are available via the toolkit in the Retailers section of the website consignaction.ca.

• Inside, or at the entrance to the business, they must:

• Post a sign stating whether their business is a return site for redeemable beverage containers.
• If they are a grouped retailer, post a sign (sent by e-mail by the QBCRA) with the address of the return site with which they are associated; or
• Post the address of the nearest return site.

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

Yes. Any non-targeted retailer who is no longer participating in the deposit-refund system (sales area equal to or less than 375 m² [4,036 ft²]) must also post, at the entrance to their business, the address of the nearest return site.

Poster templates are available via the toolkit in the Retailers section of the website.

To learn more, read Article 53 of the Regulation Respecting the Development, Implementation and Financial Support of a Deposit-Refund System For Certain Containers.

Yes. Any grouped retailer is required to post, at the entrance to their business, a sign clearly stating that they are no longer a return site and providing the address of the return site with which they are associated.

A grouped retailer must use the posters e-mailed to them by the QBCRA once the grouping is in effect. These posters can also be downloaded via the Retailers portal once the grouping has been confirmed.

No. Retailers who accept Consignaction bags must refer to the table of bag values at the bottom of the Store page. If they do not accept bags, they can refer people to the Consignaction and Consignaction+ return sites.

Yes. All recovery operators will be called upon to adjust the frequency of pick-up as required. The QBCRA reserves the right to reorganize recovery operators’ collection territories should the need for additional collection arise.

Starting March 1, 2025, these will be supplied for recovery operators.

Yes, for the most part. See the Table of recovery operators in the Toolkit.

The retailer must first ensure that the beverage container is redeemable, for example by consulting the List of redeemable beverage containers and applicable deposit amounts.

Retailer’s reverse vending machine with a network connection

1. If the beverage container has only recently become redeemable, don’t worry: the database of redeemable beverage containers is periodically updated to include newly redeemable beverage containers.
2. If a redeemable beverage container is repeatedly rejected for an extended period, there may be a network update issue. In this case, we recommend that you take a photo of the container (showing the label and barcode) and e-mail it to detaillants@consignaction.ca. The container will be added to the database, as applicable.

Retailer’s reverse vending machine without a network connection


The container is likely a newly redeemable one. A periodic update must be performed by the equipment provider to add all newly redeemable beverage containers.

No. All Consignaction and Consignaction+ return sites will be equipped with the next-generation machines. Consignaction Zones return points operated by permanent retailers (for more information on what is a permanent retailer, read Who are the retailers targeted by deposit-refund modernization and what is their role?), will also be equipped with them. Other return points will continue to accept returns of redeemable beverage containers using existing equipment.

No. The equipment provider is responsible for adding the barcodes to the machine’s database. The QBCRA makes sure to regularly provide it with the updated list of new beverage containers marketed by producers.

Retailers who own their own reverse vending machines must use their own repair service.

If the machine is owned by the QBCRA, the retailer must contact QBCRA Customer Service at 1 877 CANETTE (1 877 226-3883), ext. 2, or using the e-mail address reserved for retailers, detaillants@consignaction.ca, to assess the potential solutions.

The QBCRA is currently evaluating all units with a view to redistributing them across the network as required.

The decision to install outdoor kiosk must be made jointly with the municipality in question. It is important to carefully assess the situation on the basis of municipalities’ prerogatives.

A QBCRA team is currently travelling throughout Quebec to meet permanent retailers concerned one by one and determine their redeemable beverage container recovery needs, taking into account, among other things, the 1.2 billion plastic containers that are now redeemable as of March 1, 2025. The QBCRA has already ordered kiosks for certain retailers, who will be responsible for requesting the required permit from the municipality and for operating the kiosk. The QBCRA covers the cost of building the kiosk.

Only a permanent retailer can host a kiosk. To do so, the retailer must meet certain criteria set by the QBCRA in collaboration with the food retailer industry, including a criterion concerning the estimated volume of redeemable beverage containers.

For the past several months, a QBCRA team has been travelling throughout Quebec to meet the permanent retailers concerned and determine their redeemable beverage container recovery needs. When the kiosk recovery option is chosen, the QBCRA team handles all stages of implementation. All costs for equipment purchases and construction of the kiosk are borne by the QBCRA. Permanent retailers who want to know more should contact QBCRA Customer Service at 1 877 CANETTE (1 877 226-3883), ext. 2 or using the e-mail address reserved for retailers, detaillants@consignaction.ca.

With the aim of optimizing the network of return sites, it is possible for a retailer to join forces with another return site to fulfil their obligations to recover redeemable beverage containers. Certain criteria apply. The retailer must obtain prior authorization from the QBCRA.

Once the grouping is confirmed, the grouped retailer is required to post a notice that they are no longer a return site, and to provide the address of the nearest return site.

To learn more, read Articles 48 and 49 of the Regulation Respecting the Development, Implementation and Financial Support of a Deposit-Refund System For Certain Containers.

To be part of a group, the retailer must:

• be located within the radius specified by the Regulation; and
• receive approval from the QBCRA.

To learn more, read Articles 48 and 49 of the Regulation Respecting the Development, Implementation and Financial Support of a Deposit-Refund System For Certain Containers.

Yes. Under the Regulation, any retailer can group together with another retailer to accept returns of redeemable beverage containers, provided that the group is approved in advance by the QBCRA and is located within the regulatory radius. If such approval has not been obtained, the retailer’s establishment will continue to appear on the official list of return sites.

Consequently, the establishment of a retailer that obtains approval from the QBCRA will no longer be displayed on the online Map of return sites, and only the return site with which it is grouped will be displayed. This measure prevents people who consult the map from going to a place that is no longer a return site.

Retailers who have any questions are invited to contact the QBCRA Customer Service department by calling 1 877 CANETTE (1 877 226-3883), ext. 2 or using the e-mail address reserved for retailers, detaillants@consignaction.ca.

• to the various communications from retail associations, namely:
  • the Association of Food Retailers of Quebec (ADAQ);
  • Retail Council of Canada (RCC);
  • the Association of Convenience Stores and Grocers of Quebec (AMDEQ);
  • etc.;
• on theQBCRA website at www.consignaction.ca;
• to newsletters sent to retailers through their associations;
• to webinars;
• to a toolkit on the website in the Retailers section;
• to communications transmitted to the media which, in turn, will inform the general public.

Yes. The QBCRA set up a multifaceted inspection program on November 1, 2023, to ensure regulatory compliance: inspections at retailers and at processor facilities, follow-up on complaints from citizens, etc.