Beginning March 1, 2025, all plastic beverage containers between 100 ml and 2 L in size will be refundable. They will join the beer, soft drink and other beverage containers that are already part of the deposit system.

What about glass?

Under the government’s schedule, it won’t be until the third phase, in March 2027, that the deposit system will be expanded to include glass and multilayer-type beverage containers between 100 ml and 2 L in size.

What’s changing?

The changes implemented on March 1, 2025, are part of the second phase of the modernization of the deposit system: 

All beverages sold in 100 ml to 2 L plastic containers will be refundable and returnable. Among other things, this means that the plastic containers sold at the SAQ will now be part of the deposit system. 

Where to return your containers?

The return sites are mainly at grocery stores as well as in the new Consignaction premises, many of which are located near SAQ stores.

You can view a map of return sites on the Consignaction website. A poster in every SAQ store will also identify the affiliated return site.

The return site locations are determined by the Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QBCRA), which is the organization mandated by the government to implement the expanded deposit system.

In the reverse vending machines at grocery storesIn the reverse vending machines at grocery stores

In the reverse vending machines
at grocery stores

At the service counter of any store selling refundable containersAt the service counter of any store selling refundable containers

Consignaction's return sites

In collection boxes and bins found at work or public locationsIn collection boxes and bins found at work or public locations

In collection boxes and bins found at
work or public locations

What is the SAQ’s role in the second phase?

We’re guiding our employees, partners and customers to help make this transition a success. At the same time, we’re continuing to work closely with the QBCRA and industry partners to prepare for phase 3, which will add wine and spirits glass bottles to the system.

The deposit system is a corporate priority for the SAQ. We want to do all we can to ensure its success and obtain the highest possible glass recycling rate.

FAQ Consigne

  • Where can I find out which retailers accept containers?
    • You check the Consignaction map here or look at the posters in any SAQ store to know the affiliated retailer that accepts refundable containers.
  • Why isn’t the SAQ taking back refundable containers in its stores?
    • To make returning deposit containers easier for you and make the deposit system as efficient as possible, the SAQ has affiliated with retailers that already have the automatic equipment necessary to recover aluminum and plastic containers. These affiliations are perfectly aligned with the QBCRA’s vision, which is to encourage such partnerships between retailers so as to have an optimal number of return points and make optimum use of existing infrastructure.
  • Why is the glass not refundable at this time?
    • Under the government’s schedule, glass beverage containers will be included beginning in March 2027, as part of phase 3 of the modernization of the deposit system.
    •  The QBCRA and its industry partners need time to put in place the infrastructure and machines necessary to handle the increased volume. Also, existing reverse vending machines have to be adapted to accept the new containers’ sizes and weights and processing plants need to prepare for this new wave of material.
    • The expansion of the deposit system is managed by the QBCRA. As the host of pilot projects, the SAQ has been involved since the beginning and it will continue to be, the better to ensure the transition is successful.
  • Where should I go to get back the deposit I paid on imported beers I bought at the SAQ?
    • Take them to any of the Quebec return sites shown on the Consignaction website. The return site affiliated to your SAQ store will also be posted in the store.