Quebec's modernised deposit-return system began on 1 November 2023, when all aluminium drink cans from 100 ml to 2 litres joined, whatever the drink. All plastic drink bottles joined on 1 March 2025. Glass wine and spirits bottles, cartons and other multilayer containers are due to join on 1 March 2027. The deposit is 10 cents on most containers and 25 cents on some glass bottles of 500 ml or more that were already in the old system.
In the first 14 months (1 November 2023 to 31 December 2024), 63% of containers were brought back to return points (plastic 58%, metal 64%), according to the annual report of Consignaction, the industry-run body that manages the system.
Status as at September 2026: in force; glass and cartons from 1 March 2027. Verified against the Quebec Environment Ministry timeline and Consignaction on 26 September 2026.