Frequently Asked Questions for Retailers

The current deposit-return system dates to 1984, so an overhaul was needed. In 2022, to help improve recovery and recycling of our beverage containers, the Government of Quebec enacted a law that lays out the bases for modernization of the system.

One of the Government’s objectives is to increase the recovery rate for redeemable beverage containers to 90% by 2032.

Phase 1 – As of November 1, 2023:

• The deposit amount is now 10 cents: the amount of the deposit on the majority of redeemable beverage containers is now 10 cents, except for glass bottles of between 500 mL and 2 L, which are already redeemable and for which the amount is 25 cents.
• All aluminum ready-to-drink beverage containers of between 100 mL and 2 L are redeemable.

Phase 2 – Beginning March 1, 2025:

• Deposit-refund is expanded to all plastic ready-to-drink beverage containers of between 100 mL and 2 L, including water, sparkling water and juice bottles;
• The network of beverage container return locations is transformed, with, among other things, implementation of Consignaction and Consignaction+ return sites exclusively dedicated to recovery of beverage containers. These return sites feature state-of-the-art, high-performance equipment with the capacity to handle the expected large volumes of containers.

Phase 3 – Beginning March 1, 2027:

• Deposit-refund is expanded to all glass and multi-layer carton ready-to-drink beverage containers of between 100 mL and 2 L;
• A total of 5 billion beverage containers will be subject to deposit-refund in Quebec.

See: Fact Sheet 1 – Key Stages in the Modernization of Deposit-Refund System in Quebec.

In Quebec, redeemable beverage containers include:

• The vast majority of soft-drink and beer containers
•  All ready-to-drink beverage cans of between 100 mL and 2 L
• All plastic ready-to-drink beverage containers of between 100 mL and 2 L, including bottles of water, sparkling water, juice, milk, and spirits

To find out which beverage containers are redeemable and which are not, see the page Targeted and non-targeted containers on the website.

See also the List of all redeemable beverage containers and the amounts of the deposit applicable

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. The Quebec government has postponed the deposit-refund on wine and spirits bottles and multilayer cartons until March 1, 2027.

Yes, the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) has a regulatory obligation to participate in the deposit-refund system, as do all other producers

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.

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. 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.

Most beverage containers are redeemable for 10 cents, except for certain glass bottles of 500 mL and more, which are already redeemable and for which the deposit amount is 25 cents.

See Fact Sheet – Phases 1 and 2 – Amount of the deposit on redeemable beverage containers in the press room.

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.

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.

It is preferable not to crush redeemable beverage containers, as they may not be recognized by our machines and could be treated as rejects. You would then need to go to the service counter so that our staff can count them manually, which can be very time-consuming.

For Express Return, it is not possible to return crushed cans and plastic bottles in a bag. You will also need to go to the service counter with such a bag so that our staff can assist you.

Yes, but it may not be recognized by our machines, and the beverage containers will be treated as rejects. You would need to go to the service counter to receive a refund per item.

It is no longer necessaryto look for the words “Consignée Québec” on redeemable beverage containers. To find out whether a container is redeemable, refer to the question “Which beverage containers are included in the Quebec deposit system; i.e., redeemable?” in this FAQ list, or view What to return > Targeted and non-targeted containers. You can also view the List of returnable beverage containers and deposit refund applicable.

The value of a full bag has been established based on the average capacity of the bag for each type of container. For full details, see the online store on the www.consignaction.ca website.

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.

Yes. The majority of reverse vending machines will accept all newly redeemable plastic containers of between 100 mL to 2 L. Always position the barcode correctly in front of the optical scanner.

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 [email protected]. 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, [email protected], to assess the potential solutions.

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

For full details on refund methods, see Return sites on the website.

You can donate a refund amount to an organization by contacting them directly.

Complete information is available on the Map of return sites on the website.

Complete information is available on the Map of return sites on the website.

There are two types of return site:

• Zone Consignaction return points (participating retailers)
• Consignaction and Consignaction+ return sites (boutique-style spaces)

Detailed information about the various return sites may be found on the website at Return sites.

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.

The business days and hours of operation of the return sites are as follows:

• Consignaction and Consignaction+ return sites: daily, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Thursday and Friday (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.). These return sites are closed on January 1 and 2, June 24, and December 24, 25, 26 and 31.
• Zone Consignaction return points (participating retailers): Business hours correspond to those of the retailer.

All Consignaction and Consignaction+ return sites are closed on the following dates: January 1 and 2, June 24, and December 24, 25, 26 and 31.

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

The opening of return sites are communicated to municipalities and the media.

In 2023, the Ministère de l’Environnement du Québec has modernized the province’s deposit-refund system with the objective of improving recovery and recycling and helping to grow the circular economy.

To successfully implement modernization, it was essential that the network of redeemable beverage container return sites be transformed. This means changing from a return-to-retailer model to a hybrid model that includes:

• Spaces that are branded Consignaction and Consignaction+, exclusively dedicated to returns of redeemable beverage containers; and
• Zone Consignaction return points at participating retailers.

The purpose of the change is to gain the capacity to process the expected large volumes of containers and achieve the target recovery rate of 90% by 2032.

The network will comprise more than 3,500n return sites by March 1, 2025.

Yes. The network of return locations is being transformed and optimized. There will eventually be fewer locations, but the new Consignaction and Consignaction+ return sites have the capacity to receive and process much larger volumes of beverage containers thanks to high-performance, efficient equipment that uses state-of-the-art technology.

People can consult the Map of return sites on the Consignaction website at any time to find the site nearest them.

Since November 1, 2023, retailers who used to recover redeemable beverage containers have been required to post a sign at the entrance to their business indicating whether they still do. If they do not, they must post the address of the nearest return site.

A retailer who will no longer be accepting returns of redeemable beverage containers is required to give people approximately one month’s notice by posting a sign at the entrance to their store providing the address of the nearest return site.

If the retailer is part of a group, they must use the posters e-mailed to them by the QBCRA once the grouping is in effect. The posters can also be downloaded via the retailers’ account once the grouping has been confirmed.

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 :

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, [email protected].

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.

Yes, kiosks must be open on the same days and during the same hours as the business. This is a regulatory requirement. Furthermore, the kiosk business days and hours must be posted on the premises such that they are easily visible from outside.

To learn more, read Articles 27 and 28 of the Regulation Respecting the Development, Implementation and Financial Support of a Deposit-Refund System For Certain Containers

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.

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.

There are three main reasons why some retailers are no longer accepting returns:

• Pursuant to deposit-refund modernization, retailers with smaller sales areas, equal to or less than 375 m²/4,036 sq ft (for example, small grocery stores and dépanneurs), were no longer required as of November 1, 2023, to accept returns of redeemable beverage containers. Some smaller-size retailers, however, have chosen to voluntarily continue to accept returns.
• Other retailers are no longer accepting returns because they grouped together with another return point (a targeted retailer, i.e., with a sales area larger than 375 m²) located nearby and as a result they are no longer required to offer the service directly. These retailers are required to post a notice at the entrance to their store providing the address(es) of the nearest location(s) where citizens can now return containers.
• Still other retailers, who had been participating in redeemable beverage container recovery on a volunteer basis, have decided to no longer do so.

This situation is possible. The Regulation states that a return site must be located at a reasonable distance from people’s homes. The QBCRA intends that in the majority of cases, there will be a return site along people’s usual grocery-shopping route and it will take 15 minutes or less to get there. To view the Map of return sites in Quebec, click here.

If a retailer is no longer a return site, it is obliged to notify the public approximately one month in advance by placing a sign at the entrance to the business, indicating the address of the nearest return site. The grouped retailer must use the posters sent by e-mail by the AQRCB when the grouping is in effect. These posters can also be downloaded from the retailer ‘s account once the grouping has been confirmed.

Bags of redeemable beverage containers brought by organizations after a fundraising event are not accepted by retailers.

Citizens or organizations holding a fundraiser must return their bags to a Consignaction return site (maximum of 10 bags) or a Consignaction+ location (maximum of 20 bags). Please refer to Map of return site.

If you plan to return more than 20 bags, we recommend contacting us at the following email address: [email protected], well before your fundraising activity or event. Our team will be happy to assist you and suggest suitable solutions.

Once you’ve finished your drinks and taken the containers to a return location, the containers embark on a long recycling journey. Depending on what they’re made of—aluminum, plastic or glass—beverage containers will find new life as another container or be repurposed into something new. To learn all about what happens to beverage containers, from the retailer’s shelves to the recovery facility, processing plant and recycling plant, go to The Container’s Journey or watch the informational video The Infinite Life Cycle of an Aluminum Can.

You can make a thousand-and-one things out of empty cans or bottles. Not only can aluminum, plastic and glass be recycled into new containers, but they are also used to manufacture hundreds of practical items, from clothing to bicycles, cars, construction materials and much, much more.

Retailers will be informed of upcoming changes in a variety of ways, including:

• Various communications from retailer associations:
  • Association des détaillants en alimentation du Québec (ADAQ);
  • Retail Council of Canada (RCC);
  • Association des marchands dépanneurs et épiciers du Québec (AMDEQ);
  • etc.
• The QBCRA website, at www.consignaction.ca.
• Newsletters sent to retailers via their associations. Newsletters can be consulted in the Retailers section under the Newsletters tab.
• Webinars. The webinars presentations can be found in the Retailers section under the Toolkit tab under Webinars.
• The Toolkit available in the Retailers section of the website.
• Communications to the media, which then relay the information to the general public.

Retailers can also contact QBCRA Customer Service for more information, by calling 1 877 CANETTE (1 877 226-3883), ext. 2 or using the e-mail address reserved for retailers, [email protected].

• 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.

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, [email protected].