Focus on… Quebec

Broader scope for deposit-refund system

On 1 November 2023, the new deposit-refund system in Quebec was established through the implementation of the Regulation Respecting the Development, Implementation and Financial Support of a Deposit-Refund System for Certain Containers and its amendment.

Previously, a deposit system just for beer and soft drinks was in place.

The new system entrusts the responsibility for developing, implementing and financing a modernised and expanded deposit-refund system to producers who place on the market, sell or otherwise distribute all “ready-to-drink” beverage containers from 100 millilitres to 2 litres under the extended producer responsibility (EPR) approach.

Producers must mandatorily join a collective scheme named the Beverage Container Recycling Association (QCBRA) to comply with the regulations.

The amount of the deposit for non-refillable and refillable containers made of glass or other breakable material that are used to market, sell or otherwise distribute a product is:

• $0.25 for a product whose volume is not less than 500 ml and not more than 2 litres, and
• $0.10 for a product whose volume is at least 100 ml and not more than 499 ml, and for other types of containers.

The Quebec authorities have decided to divide the implementation into two phases: phase 1 obligations, which started on 1 November 2023, and phase 2 obligations, which will begin in on 1 March 2025.

Landbell Group’s regulatory tracking service has more information on the various obligations and exemptions. Find out more about the service here.