The efforts to modernize Quebec’s deposit system continue this year. After adding aluminum containers to the deposit rules in 2023, the system is now expanding to include certain plastic containers. Having trouble keeping up? Check out our short guide!
Since November 1st, 2023, all aluminum cans of 100 ml to 2 litres for drinks are subject to deposits. This includes, for example, aluminum cans of green tea, carbonated or flavoured water, and vegetable juices.
The next phase
As of March 1st, 2025, plastic containers of 100 ml to 2 litres will also become subject to deposits. This means, for example, that deposits will apply to water bottles.
This new phase is expected to add over a billion containers to the deposit system, according to a statement published in November 2024 by the ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (department of environment, the fight against climate change, wildlife, and parks).
For water bottles alone, more than a billion containers are sold every year in Quebec, according to statistics available on the RECYC-QUÉBEC website. Of this total, nearly 700 million bottles are thrown out or become litter out in nature without being recycled.
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And what about glass? Originally planned for the second phase, the deposit on glass or multi-layer containers has been postponed to 2027. The reasons cited? Mainly delays in setting up collection locations for the containers. |
Standardizing the deposit system
In addition to expanding the deposit system to include plastic containers, the system has been standardized: the deposit amount is now 10 cents on most beverage containers. This includes beer cans over 450 ml, for which the deposit amount was previously 20 cents.
However, there are still exceptions… For example, the deposit on certain glass bottles between 500 ml and 2 liters – which were already subject to a deposit before November 1st, 2023 – is 25 cents.
Did you know?
Did a merchant refuse to accept your containers? You can inform the Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association about the problem at 1-877-CANETTE or by email at info@consignaction.ca.