Quebec overhauled its bottle deposit-refund system. Is it working?
Quebec has centralized its bottle deposit-refund system by replacing thousands of local return points with a smaller network of specialized sorting centers. While the system aims to modernize recycling, it has faced criticism for creating long wait times and reducing accessibility for many residents.
Why it matters
The transition highlights the challenges of balancing environmental policy efficiency with public convenience and accessibility in waste management systems.
With the help of the province, the company has centralized Quebec’s bottle deposit-refund system by removing thousands of return points from retailers.
Instead of using the bottle deposit machines usually found in grocery and convenience stores across the province, people can now go to two types of sorting centres: Consignaction, for single-unit returns, and Consignaction+ for bulk deposits.
Since the rollout of its first phase in 2023, Consignaction’s new system has received mixed reviews; some users love it, others, not so much.
CBC spoke with some users, waste management experts and the company behind the new system. Here’s a breakdown of what’s working and what needs improvements.
Quebec tried to modernize its bottle recycling system. Did it work?
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