Quebec’s bottle deposit overhaul draws mixed reviews

Quebec’s redesigned bottle depositrefund system, run by Consignaction, has changed how residents return beverage containers since its first phase launched in 2023. The province moved away from thousands of retailerbased return points and replaced them with dedicated sorting centres for single items and larger bulk dropoffs. The transition has received mixed feedback. Some users say the new centres are easier to use and better staffed than old instore machines, while others complain about long waits, limited access in some areas, and machines that are out of service or short on cash payouts. Waste management advocates say the number of return sites is still far below what is needed across Quebec. Groups that support people who collect refundable containers for income say the new setup has also created barriers for binners, who may depend on quick cash returns. Consignaction says the issues are part of a transition and that more locations should reduce congestion. Quebec plans to keep expanding the system, with a goal of opening more facilities and adding more types of containers by March 2027.