Quebec expands bottle deposit system to include more plastic containers

Quebec’s bottle deposit program now includes more plastic containers, adding a 10-cent refund on beverage bottles from 100 mL to 2 L.

Quebec’s bottle deposit system is expanding. As of Saturday, plastic bottles ranging from 100 milliliters to two liters can now be returned for a deposit refund.

An additional 10-cent charge now applies to all plastic beverage containers. However, just like aluminum cans, they can be brought to designated drop-off sites for a refund—including locations managed by Consignaction, the organization overseeing the system.

Before this expansion, only plastic bottles used for soft drinks were part of the deposit system, explained Normand Bisson, president and CEO of Consignaction.

“Now, we’ve added containers for water, sparkling water, some milk products, and even SAQ bottles,” he said.

He also highlighted that 100 per cent of the returned containers are recycled.

“These materials are used to produce new containers, which makes a big difference for the environment,” added Bisson.

Impact on retailers

Currently, about 65 per cent of deposit-marked bottles are being returned either at Consignaction sites or participating retailers.

With more than 3,500 return locations across Quebec, access isn’t an issue—but handling the volume can be a challenge.

Francis Mailly, vice-president of public affairs for the Retail Council of Canada, said the system is putting additional strain on businesses.

“There are concerns about storage space in stores and whether the systems in place can collect materials fast enough to prevent overflow,” he said.

To avoid retailers, particularly grocery stores, from bearing the bulk of the workload, the system must be efficient, pointed out Mailly.

Initially, Consignaction announced it would open 200 return centers but so far, only 47 have opened their doors.

“That means a significant part of the system now relies on retailers,” said Mailly. “It’s a big responsibility for them.”

He stresses that grocery stores are in the business of selling products, not sorting and storing recyclables.

The expansion isn’t over yet. In two years, the program will extend to glass bottles, including wine and spirits.

That next phase aims to further boost recycling efforts across the province, while continuing to refine the logistics of the deposit system.