Quebec postpones part of the new deposit system until 2027

Quebec is postponing the implementation of the deposit system for glass beverage containers and multi-layer packaging, such as cardboard pints of milk, for two years, due to delays accumulated by the organization responsible for this issue.

Glass alcohol bottles and multi-layer cardboard containers had to go from the recycling bin to the deposit box on 1^is next March. However, as delays accumulated in the implementation of new return locations for returnable containers, the government of Quebec ordered an administrative investigation into the Association québécoise de Récuperation des Containers de Beverages (ARQCB) , responsible for expanding and reforming the deposit system.

L’AQRCB had made clear commitments regarding the deployment of places of return et we are far, far from the markdeclared Quebec Minister of the Environment, Benoit Charette, in a press scrum on Thursday. We were not ready on the network side to welcome these new containershe added.

By moving the deadline to March 2027, he wishes to give himself time to do things right. This is when consumers will pay the new deposit on glass containers and multi-layer containers.

The deposit for plastic water and juice bottles will come into force as planned next March.

Concerned and disappointed

Last October, only 15 of the 200 Consignaction return points planned for 2025 were ready. Mr. Charette wanted to avoid the discontent and the disengagement customers who would have paid the new deposit in March and who would have struggled to find a return point.

L’AQRCBwhich operates under the name Consignaction, was mandated in 2022 by Recyc-Québec to manage the deposit. Consignaction’s board of directors is made up of representatives from beverage production, bottling and distribution companies, including SAQ.

This additional time will make it possible to consolidate the collection network and accelerate the deployment of Consignaction return pointsdeclared in a press release the CEO of Consignaction, Normand Bisson.

In total, 1,500 return points are planned in Quebec, of which 400 would be Consignaction return points. The others would be open in businesses.

In a press release, the Quebec Common Front for Ecological Waste Management (FCQGED) said it extremely concerned and disappointed by the announcementemphasizing that glass bottles are one of the most problematic containers for selective collection and that the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) should provide a greater logistical and financial contribution in this matter.

To avoid repeating the same mistakes, it would be particularly relevant to review the governance of the organizations responsible for implementing and monitoring this enlargement. [de la consigne].

Mechanisms should also be provided for in the regulation to prevent producers from unduly trying to delay or even block the extension of the deposit.added Marcia Tagliero, member of the steering committee of the FCQGED.

Standoff between Consignaction and retailers

In a joint press release, the Canadian Retail Council (CCCD) and the Association of Food Retailers of Quebec (ADAQ) welcomed this decision, given the fact that it allows a more structured transition to the modernized systemaccusing theAQRCB for these delays.

From today, we are putting our energies into the important logistics project of recovering the billion bottles of water which will be brought back to our stores from 1^is marsdeclared the CEO of theADAQPierre-Alexandre Blouin.

This postponement is neither a failure nor an abandonment, quite the contraryassured Normand Bisson. This is a [occasion] to consolidate a world-class system and network that will propel Quebec as an international leader in deposits.

Mr. Bisson said to himself surprised of the administrative investigation ordered by Quebec. This one overshadows the important work we are doing, while we face significant resistance from retailershe added.

We have repeatedly sounded the alarm with the government to point out that Consignaction does not have legal or coercive levers at its disposal to accelerate the conclusion of agreements.

Minister Charette assured that he will impose sanctions et more precise objectives to the organizations in question in the coming weeks.