Consignment, the organization overseeing Quebec’s bottle refund program, is implementing changes due to excessive lineups at its return centers, potentially impacting Ontario residents seeking to redeem containers. Despite extending operating hours, some depots, like Jean-Proulx Consignaction+, near Ottawa, have been overwhelmed.
While Quebec and Ontario have differing container deposit systems, Quebec uniquely refunds soft drink containers, juice, and milk jugs. Although it is against the law to claim refunds in Quebec for containers purchased outside the province, some Ontarians have attempted to do so.
To streamline the process, Ontario residents will now utilize an “express return” feature, allowing them to drop off unsorted containers for processing and receive refunds through the Consignaction app approximately a week later. This method enables Consignaction to sort through containers and exclude any ineligible for Quebec refunds.
Consignaction may also implement additional verification procedures to confirm containers were purchased in Quebec. Additionally, seven new bulk return sites are being added in Gatineau, including locations on 75 blvd. du Plateau, 140 blvd. Gréber, 178 rue Principale, and 1100 chemin Montréal W, with details on the remaining three sites pending.
Most return sites in Gatineau are situated within stores and can only manage smaller quantities of containers.