The organization overseeing Quebec’s bottle deposit program is implementing changes due to excessive wait times at its depots, potentially impacting Ontarians’ ability to redeem certain containers. Consignaction has expanded its operating hours but is facing challenges, particularly at the Jean-Proulx Consignaction+ near Ottawa.
While Quebec and Ontario have varying deposit requirements for beverage containers, only Quebec allows refunds for items like soft drink containers and juice and milk jugs. Despite regulations prohibiting refunds for containers not bought in Quebec, some Ontarians have attempted to redeem them.
To streamline the process, Ontario residents will now utilize an “express return” option, depositing unsorted containers at designated locations for processing and receiving refunds through the Consignaction app approximately a week later. This method aims to facilitate sorting and ensure only eligible containers are refunded.
Consignaction also plans to implement additional verification measures to confirm the origin of purchased containers. Additionally, it is introducing seven new bulk return sites in Gatineau, with locations at 75 blvd. du Plateau, 140 blvd. Gréber, 178 rue Principale, and 1100 chemin Montréal W, while three more sites are yet to be announced. Most return locations in Gatineau are situated inside stores and cater to smaller quantities of containers.