Quebec’s modernized deposit-refund system achieves 81% recovery rate

The Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QBCRA)/Consignaction is highlighting the success of its modernized deposit-refund network, which continues to expand across the province and is driving strong participation. Public support is strengthening Quebec's circular economy, with Consignaction speeding up its efforts to roll out the network and make the service more accessible in every region of Quebec.

The modernization program has increased recycling rates across the province 

Nearly three years after Phase 1 of the expansion, which began on November 1, 2023, with aluminium beverage containers, the modernized system continues to demonstrate its ability to handle ever-greater volumes. The inclusion since March 1, 2025, of all plastic containers ranging from 100 mL to 2 L — which represented the largest phase of the modernization in terms of volume — marked a significant milestone in the progress of the deposit-refund system.

This adoption is also reflected in users' appreciation of the service: the 90 percent satisfaction rate observed at the modernized return sites demonstrates their gradual buy-in as a local service that they value.

"The results achieved so far are very encouraging," said Normand Bisson, president and chief executive officer of QBCRA/Consignaction. "Achieving a recovery rate of 81 percent in the first six months of 2026, despite more than 1.5 billion plastic containers being added to the system in March 2025, demonstrates that more and more citizens are embracing the new practices that have come with the modernization of the deposit-refund system." He added: "With more than 2 million monthly visits to our network, we are seeing this transformation become firmly established in Quebecers' habits, while enabling us to build an increasingly efficient deposit-refund system that benefits the environment."

Adapting to local needs 

Each Consignaction and Consignaction+ return site must navigate several phases before it can open, from identifying a location that meets the criteria to negotiating a lease, acquiring municipal permits, fitting out the premises, installing specialized equipment, and recruiting and training staff. 

In two years, Consignaction has launched more than 300 modernized return sites across the province, comprising over 170 Consignaction and Consignaction+ return sites and 130 Zones Consignaction. This pace of opening three new return sites each week for the past two years — unmatched by any network of branches in Quebec — reflects the sustained efforts made to increase the accessibility of the service and bring the modernized deposit-refund system closer to the public.

"The rollout of the modernized network is a project of exceptional scale," Bisson noted. "In a very short time, Consignaction has become one of Quebec's leading networks of private service outlets, which is a testament to the remarkable work accomplished by our teams and all our partners."

He concluded: "We are continuing our efforts to constantly improve access to services for our customers and to fully meet the objectives set out in the Quebec regulations."

The system will continue to evolve over the coming months 

Consignaction is continuing to prepare for the third and final phase of its expansion, which will soon include all glass and multilayer cardboard containers with volumes ranging from 100 mL to 2 L, while continuing to adapt its field operations to meet the needs of the public better and build an ever-more-accessible, efficient and sustainable network.

The rollout of the network of Consignaction, Consignaction+ and Zones Consignaction return sites is accompanied by significant operational preparation work: recruiting and training staff, organizing the logistics for transporting collected containers, and establishing recycling contracts. All of these projects are progressing at a steady pace.

Some challenges remain, particularly on the Island of Montreal, where the establishment of new Consignaction and Consignaction+ return sites is facing certain administrative hurdles. Consignaction is continuing to work with the boroughs concerned so that it can act as quickly as possible to establish the network of return sites required to ensure that access to its services meets citizens' expectations.