The management entity overseeing Quebec’s bottle refund program is implementing changes due to excessive wait times at its depots, potentially impacting Ontarians seeking refunds for specific containers. Despite extending operating hours, certain depots, like Jean-Proulx Consignaction+ near Ottawa, have been overwhelmed with demand.
While deposit requirements differ between Quebec and Ontario for various beverage containers, only Quebec allows refunds for items like soft drink containers and juice or milk jugs. Although obtaining a refund in Quebec for a non-purchased container is illegal, some Ontarians have attempted to do so.
To streamline the process, Ontario residents will now need to utilize an “express return” feature, enabling them to drop off unsorted containers for processing and receive refunds through the Consignaction app approximately a week later. This system allows Consignaction to review and reject ineligible containers, ensuring compliance with Quebec’s refund policies.
Consignaction may also implement additional verification measures to confirm containers were indeed bought in Quebec. Additionally, seven new bulk return sites are being introduced in Gatineau, such as depots at 75 blvd. du Plateau, 140 blvd. Gréber, 178 rue Principale, and 1100 chemin Montréal W, with three more locations to be announced later. Most return locations in Gatineau are situated within stores and can manage only smaller quantities of empty containers.
