Consignaction, the organization overseeing Quebec’s bottle deposit program, is implementing changes due to the long lines at its return depots. One notable depot, Jean-Proulx Consignaction+, situated around eight kilometers from downtown Ottawa, has been particularly overwhelmed.
While Quebec and Ontario have different deposit requirements for beverage containers, only Quebec allows refunds for soft drink containers, juice, and milk jugs. Despite the prohibition on receiving refunds in Quebec for containers not bought in the province, some Ontarians are attempting to do so.
As part of the adjustments, Ontario residents will now have to utilize an “express return” option, enabling them to drop off unsorted containers in bags for processing. They can then receive their refund through the Consignaction app approximately a week later. This method aims to allow Consignaction to sort through the containers and exclude any that are ineligible for refunds in Quebec.
Consignaction mentioned in a press release that it might introduce additional verification measures to confirm the containers’ Quebec purchase origin. Additionally, it is introducing seven new bulk return locations in Gatineau, including depots at 75 blvd. du Plateau, 140 blvd. Gréber, 178 rue Principale, and 1100 chemin Montréal W, with three more locations to be announced soon.
Most return locations in Gatineau are situated within stores and can only manage smaller quantities of returned containers.