Quebec is phasing out bottle and can return machines from grocery stores as part of a sweeping overhaul of its deposit-refund system, a move that is rapidly changing how residents reclaim deposits on beverage containers. The transition, led by Consignaction, is already underway across the province and is expected to reshape recycling habits in the coming years.
The shift comes as Quebec pushes toward an ambitious target of recovering five billion beverage containers annually by 2032 — a sharp increase from the roughly four billion currently processed. The change also follows a rapid expansion of the system, which handled just 2.5 billion containers about two and a half years ago.
Under the new model, reverse vending machines inside grocery stores are being removed and replaced with dedicated Consignaction return centres. These specialized facilities are designed to handle larger volumes and a wider variety of materials, something officials say traditional retail locations are no longer equipped to manage.
Why the system is being overhauled
Consignaction says the modernization is driven by both scale and complexity. As more types of beverage containers become eligible for refunds, the logistics of sorting, storing and processing them have become increasingly demanding. Grocery stores, once central to the system, are now seen as ill-suited to manage this expanded role.
“When you double the volume and increase the types of materials, retailers don’t have the capacity to handle it,” the organization has said, pointing to operational limits within stores.
Instead, the new centres aim to standardize the process. Depending on the location, they offer multiple options — including single-item returns through automated machines, bulk drop-offs of unsorted containers, and express returns using a mobile app. In the latter, users can tag a bag, leave it at the facility, and receive reimbursement electronically after processing. More details on locations and services are available via Consignaction’s official platform.
The rollout is gradual, with in-store machines being removed only when a nearby return centre becomes operational. Authorities say staff will be present at these sites during the transition to help users adapt to the new system.
Concerns over accessibility and participation
Despite the long-term goals, the changes are facing pushback from residents and community groups who say the new system risks making returns less convenient. For many, depositing bottles during routine grocery trips was a simple habit — one that may not carry over if it requires a separate journey.
Some users worry that even short distances could discourage participation. The concern is particularly strong among individuals who rely on bottle returns as a source of income, including unhoused people and informal collectors.
Advocates argue that accessibility is critical to maintaining high return rates. If machines are removed faster than convenient alternatives are adopted, there is a risk that fewer containers will be returned despite the system’s expanded capacity.
There are also concerns about reliability and user experience. Broken or unavailable machines have already been a source of frustration in the existing system. Critics say adding distance to the process could further erode confidence, especially if users arrive at a centre only to face delays or technical issues.
At the core of the debate is a simple expectation: consumers who pay a deposit should be able to reclaim it easily. Any added friction, critics argue, undermines the principle that the deposit is not a tax but a refundable amount.
Quebec’s modernization effort reflects a broader push to improve recycling performance through centralized infrastructure and technology. But as the province moves toward its 2032 targets, the success of the system may depend less on capacity and more on whether everyday users find it just as easy — or easier — to participate than before.
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