Frequently asked questions for retailers
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.
Deposit system modernization
How many more aluminum beverage containers will be returnable on November 1, 2023?
It is estimated that around 250 million additional aluminum cans (based on anticipated sales volumes and current recovery rates) will be returned to retailers, equivalent on average to one additional bag of cans per day per store (assuming the volume is split between each store).
What are the key dates in the expansion of the deposit system?
- November 1, 2023In addition to all beverage containers that were already redeemable, all aluminum beverage containers of between 100 mL and 2 L are included in the deposit system, including small vegetable juice cans, sparkling water cans, etc.
- March 1, 2025
- All plastic beverage containers of between 100 mL and 2 L.
- All glass beverage containers of between 100 mL and 2 L, including wine bottles.
- All multi-layer cardboard-type containers of between 100 mL and 2 L, including milk cartons and juice boxes.
What are the main changes?
The changes effective November 1, 2023, are part of the first phase of deposit system modernization:
- The deposit amount is now 10 cents The amount of the deposit on almost all redeemable beverage containers is now 10 cents, except for large glass bottles of between 500 mL and 2 L, which are already redeemable and for which the amount is 25 cents. In the interest of standardization, the amount for containers were previously redeemable for a 20-cent refund is now 10 cents. If you have beverage containers for which the deposit amount is 20 cents, you have until November 1, 2023, to return them to the point of sale for a full refund. There will, however, be a 15-day grace period, after which the refund amount will be 10 cents.
- All aluminum containers are redeemable:As of November 1, 2023, all aluminum beverage containers of between 100 mL and 2 L are redeemable.
What is extended producer responsibility (EPR)?
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a principle whereby the companies that market products are also responsible for their life-cycle management; i.e., for managing the residual materials generated by the consumption of those products.
What are the goals of deposit system modernization?
The goals of deposit system modernization are to recover and recycle greater quantities of redeemable beverage containers and to improve the ways we recover and reclaim materials, so as to reduce our environmental footprint.
Why is the deposit-refund system being modernized?
The current deposit-return system dates to 1984, so an overhaul was needed. In 2022, the Government of Quebec enacted a law that lays out the bases for modernization of the system. For Quebecers, the modernization means, among other things, that effective November 1, 2023:
- more beverage containers are redeemable (expansion of the product categories included in the deposit system);
- the amount of the deposit is standardized at 10 cents for the majority of beverage containers;
- beverage producers are now responsible for end-of-life management of the products they market (extended producer responsibility).
Who is responsible for the Quebec deposit system?
The Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QBCRA) has been appointed by RECYC-QUÉBEC as the Designated Management Organization (DMO) responsible for the modernized deposit system as of November 1, 2023. The DMO comprises the various beverage producers involved in recovery, reuse, recycling and conversion of beverage containers in the province of Quebec.
What to know about the deposit system
The deposit-refund tax on aluminum beer containers of 450 ml or more will drop from 20 cents to 10 cents. Can citizens still claim 20 cents since it's written on the container?
As of November 1, 2023, the deposit-refund fee for aluminum beer containers of 450 ml or more will drop from $0.20 to $0.10. Citizens will be given a 15-day grace period, after which they will be reimbursed the $0.10 fee, even if the words "Consignée Québec 20¢" still appear on the container. Eventually, when stocks are exhausted, the words "Consigné Québec 20¢" will no longer appear on returnable beverage containers.
How do I know whether a beverage container is redeemable?
As of November 1, 2023, it is no longer necessary to look for the words “Consignée Québec XX ¢” on redeemable beverage containers. In addition to all beverage containers that were already redeemable (essentially, soft-drink and beer cans), all other aluminum beverage containers are now included in the deposit system.
Why is there no deposit on wine bottles, water bottles or juice and milk containers?
These products will be redeemable as of the second phase of the deposit system modernization, scheduled for March 2025.
Which beverage containers are included in the Quebec deposit system; i.e., redeemable?
As of November 1, 2023, all aluminum-can beverage containers of between 100 mL and 2 L are redeemable. This is in addition to the vast majority of soft-drink and beer containers, whether made of glass or plastic, that were already included in the deposit system.
Why have a deposit on beverage containers?
The benefits of a deposit-return system for beverage containers are the following:
- It results in better-quality materials:
- processors have less sorting to do;
- there is less breakage;
- the quantity of unwanted residual materials is reduced;
- recovered materials’ resale value is higher;
- the materials recycling process is more efficient and cleaner.
- It helps us take care of our environment and our planet:
- less waste ends up in the environment 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;
- raw materials needed to manufacture beverage containers;
- our environmental footprint is reduced.
- It benefits the economy, 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.
Return of redeemable beverage containers
Customers will probably be unhappy that they can no longer return their returnable beverage containers to my business. Who will handle any complaints?
The AQRCB is doing its utmost to ensure that the changes to the return locations have as little impact as possible on citizens. Nevertheless, if a citizen is unhappy or wishes to make a comment or suggestion, you can direct them to the Consignaction website, where they can fill in a complaint form.
With the deposit amount no longer printed on redeemable beverage containers, how do I know whether a particular container is redeemable?
As of November 1, 2023, there is no longer any requirement for beverage producers to print the deposit amount on redeemable containers. Generally speaking, all aluminum soft-drink cans and plastic bottles, as well as beer bottles, plus all aluminum cans that were not previously redeemable, are redeemable effective November 1, 2023.
Why do almost all beverage containers now have a 10-cent deposit?
The deposit amount for most beverage containers has been set at 10 cents for two main reasons:
- Increasing the deposit amount to 10 cents is a way to encourage consumers to recover more beverage containers and achieve recovery objectives; i.e., it is an incentive.
- The other purpose of the legislative change is to standardize the deposit amounts, among other reasons to make things easier for consumers.
What is the amount of the deposit?
Effective November 1, 2023, the amount of the deposit on almost all redeemable beverage containers is 10 cents, except for large glass bottles of between 500 mL and 2 L (soft drinks, beer, kombucha), for which the amount is 25 cents.
Returnable beverage containers from November 1, 2023:
Note: For glass and plastic (PET) containers, only those that were already under deposit-refund before November 1, 2023 will be under the new, modernized deposit-refund system.
| Types of refundable container | Format | Examples | Deposit amount |
| All Aluminium beverges container | 100 ml to 2 L | All beverage containers | 0,10 $ |
| Plastic (PET) already under the old deposit system | 100 ml to 2 L | Soft drink | 0,10 $ |
| Single and multiple use container Glass already under the old deposit system | 100 ml to 499 ml | Beer / soft drink | 0,10 $ |
| Single and multiple use container Glass already under the old deposit system | 500 ml and more | Beer / soft drink | 0,25 $ |
Return locations
How can citizens find out about the list of return locations?
Citizens can consult the interactive map of return locations. The map of return locations will be available from October 17, 2023.
Retailers targeted for modernization
How can I get a list of participating retailers?
An initial list of participating retailers will be available from October 15, 2023, and will be updated. You can consult it on the AQRCB website, in the Retailers section.
If my business is larger than 375 m2, can I refuse to take back returnable beverage containers?
No, because this is a regulatory requirement.
To find out more, consult article 45 in the initial regulations and subsequent updates:
- Regulation Development, implementation and financial support of a deposit-refund system for certain containers, June 22, 2022;
- Regulatory changes, June 19, 2023;
- Regulatory changes, August 30, 2023.
Am I a retailer target of the deposit-refund modernization?
You are a retailer covered by the regulations if :
- the surface area of the part of your business reserved for sale is greater than 375m2, or 4036 ft2
- Regulation Development, implementation and financial support of a deposit-refund system for certain containers, June 22, 2022;
- Regulatory changes, June 19, 2023;
Non-target retailers
Reminder
A retailer is covered by the regulations if the surface area of the part of your business reserved for sales exceeds 375 m24036 ft.2.
To find out more, see article 45 in the initial regulations and subsequent updates :
- Regulation Development, implementation and financial support of a deposit-refund system for certain containers, June 22, 2022;
- Regulatory changes, June 19, 2023;
- Regulatory changes, August 30, 2023.
Obligations of retailer as part of the modernization of the deposit-refund
What are my obligations under the new deposit-refund system as retailer ?
If you are a retailer covered by the regulations, your main obligations are to :
- take back all returnable beverage containers and reimburse deposit-refund, regardless of where the containers were purchased;
- display the amount of deposit-refund where beverage containers are sold;
- display a sign at the entrance to your business indicating that it is a return point for returnable beverage containers.
- display the amount of deposit-refund where beverage containers are sold;
- display the nearest drop-off point at the entrance to your business.
- Regulation Development, implementation and financial support of a deposit-refund system for certain containers, June 22, 2022;
- Regulatory changes, June 19, 2023;
- Regulatory changes, August 30, 2023.
Invoice
Do I have to enter the new deposit-refund amount on the bill?
You must indicate the new deposit-refund amount on the invoice: "the deposit-refund amount must appear on the invoice intended for the person purchasing the product, on a line just below the line indicating the amount of the sale".
To find out more, consult article 52 of the initial regulation and subsequent updates:
- Regulation Development, implementation and financial support of a deposit-refund system for certain containers, June 22, 2022;
- Regulatory changes, June 19, 2023;
- Regulatory changes, August 30, 2023.
Communication
How will citizens be informed of upcoming changes to the modernization of deposit-refund ?
Numerous communication activities have been planned to inform citizens about the modernization of deposit-refund :
- The Consignaction website (www.consignaction.ca) contains a wealth of information on deposit-refund in general. In the modernization section, citizens will find information on the roll-out of the deposit-refund modernization, which begins on November 1, 2023.
- An advertising campaign will kick off on October 15 on various platforms: television, radio, print, Internet and social media.
- Activities are organized to inform the media, who in turn relay the information to the general public.
- In-store signage will inform customers of the new deposit-refund amounts and return locations.
How will I be informed of upcoming changes?
We'll keep you informed of upcoming changes in a variety of ways, including :
- various communications from your associations, such as the Association des détaillants en alimentation du Québec (ADAQ), the Retail Council of Canada (RCC), the Association des marchands dépanneurs et épiciers du Québec (AMDEQ), etc;
- the Association québécoise de récupération des contenants de boisson website at www.aqrcb.org, which will be updated regularly;
- a toolbox that will be available from September 5, 2023 on the AQRCB website at www.aqrcb.org;
- communications to the media, who in turn inform the general public.
- Regulation Development, implementation and financial support of a deposit-refund system for certain containers, June 22, 2022;
- Regulatory changes, June 19, 2023;
- Regulatory changes, August 30, 2023.
Database management
Who will be responsible for adding the barcodes of newly returnable containers to my business's recycling database, since it's not automated? When will this be done?
As you know, our fleet of recovery machines includes both connected and unconnected automated recovery machines. In the case of connected automated reclaimers, updates will be carried out remotely, as is currently the case. For automated reclaimers that are not connected, a barcode update will be planned by reclaimers' suppliers for the November 1, 2023 rollout.
Display
I've heard that from now on I'll have to display the amount of the deposit-refund in my shop. What text must be displayed? Where must it be displayed?
Retailers are now obliged to display the amount on their premises. You must now display the amount of the deposit-refund where the refundable product is on sale. Templates will be available in the toolbox from September 5, 2023 on AQRCB website.
To find out more, consult article 52 of the initial regulations and subsequent updates :
- Regulation Development, implementation and financial support of a deposit-refund system for certain containers, June 22, 2022;
- Regulatory changes, June 19, 2023;
- Regulatory changes, August 30, 2023.
How will citizens be informed that my business no longer takes back returnable beverage containers?
Citizens will be informed through the media of general changes concerning the modernization of deposit-refund. On the Consignaction website (www.consignaction.ca), citizens will be able to consult an interactive map for return locations. Finally, non-targeted retailers who no longer take back beverage containers are required to post the address of the nearest return location at the entrance to their business.
To find out more, consult section 53 of the original by-law and subsequent updates:
- Regulation Development, implementation and financial support of a deposit-refund system for certain containers, June 22, 2022;
- Regulatory changes, June 19, 2023;
- Regulatory changes, August 30, 2023.
Equipment - recuperators
Are there any plans for new, more feature-rich reclaimers to handle the greater volume of beverage containers that will eventually be added?
Equipment requirements are expected to be met in March 2025 for phase 2 of the deposit-refund modernization. The AQRCB will be discussing this with retailers in the coming months.
I may experience higher-than-usual traffic at reverse vending machine in the days following the launch of the deposit-refund upgrade (November 1, 2023). Will my reverse vending machine be able to handle this volume?
According to our assessment, the current fleet of automated reclaimers is sufficient to meet the needs of the first phase of modernization.
Retailer accountability
Do I still have to produce an accountability report?
You no longer need to produce an accountability report. Only retail producers are required to do so, as well as banners acting as producers. The AQRCB will communicate directly with those who must produce an accountability report by November 1, 2023.
Inspection program
Is an inspection program planned?
An inspection program carried out by AQRCB inspectors will be implemented as of November 1, 2023, similar to existing inspection programs at Boissons Gazeuses Environnement (BGE) and RECYC-QUÉBEC.
pick-up containers
Are additional collection routes planned for the additional volumes of beverage containers?
We anticipate that the current volume can be integrated into the regular collections of the reclaimers. In the event of a particular situation resulting in an undue accumulation of returnable beverage containers, a retailer to contact the AQRCB customer service department to express a need for more frequent recovery, if they have not previously been able to reach an agreement with their usual recoverers. The AQRCB will then quickly follow up to meet the request.
From now on, who will collect beverage containers from my business?
During the transitional period, until March 1, 2025, current reclaimers will be responsible for pick-up at retail outlets in the same way as at present.
Customer service
I have questions, who can I talk to?
We invite you to contact AQRCB customer service by phone at 1 877 CANETTE(1 877 226-3883) or by e-mail at [email protected] for any questions you may have.