Quebec is in the process of implementing a new deposit system for drinks packaging, marking the gradual removal of a large number of returnable can and bottle return machines from supermarkets. Esta transition, which aims to optimize the process for retailers and sorting centers, has sparked discussions about the impact on accessibility for groups in vulnerable situations.
The change seeks to centralize collection at specific points managed by Consignaction, the organization responsible for the system. Enquanto The expectation is for greater efficiency in packaging processing, the relocation of these points raises significant concerns. Organizações warn that the change could create barriers for individuals who depend on collecting and returning containers to earn extra income.
Accessibility concerns
The removal of machines in supermarkets is seen as an accessibility problem, especially for people in precarious situations or without housing. Coop Les Valoristes, an organization supporting homeless individuals who rely on can and bottle collection, expressed great concern about the situation. The organization’s co-founder, Marica Vazquez Tagliero, highlighted the challenge.
Vazquez Tagliero stressed that even a small distance can be an insurmountable obstacle. “Even a kilometer is a lot when you come with your backpack,” she said, illustrating the difficulty faced by those who need to transport large volumes of packages. The organization offers a safe and clean place for these people to deposit their containers, alleviating part of the problem.
In addition to the physical issue, Marica Vazquez Tagliero believes that the change could undermine the population’s confidence in the deposit system. Ela argues that, when paying a deposit for a package, the consumer must have the right to return it simply and easily, without complications. Para her, the deposit should not be treated as a tax, but as a recoverable value inherent to the purchase. The perception of difficulty can discourage participation, especially for those who need it most.
The new deposit system
The reform foresees the maintenance of approximately 1200 collection points across the province, including remaining machines in supermarkets and the new centers Consignment and Consignment+. Atualmente, 143 centers Consignment and Consignment+ are in operation, out of a total of 400 planned to be opened. Esses locations are designed for faster and more efficient packaging processing.
Consignment collection and return points are equipped with advanced technology. Essa innovation allows, among other features, the return of containers “in batch”, eliminating the need to process each item individually. Isso speeds up the process for both users and center operators, representing an improvement over the previous method.
To facilitate access for the population, the responsible organization, Consignaction, provides location tools. Citizens can find new and existing consignment centers through an interactive map available on the entity’s website or app. Cerca 50% of the provincial packaging volume is already processed in these centers managed by Consignaction.
Consignaction is the entity designated by RECYC-QUÉBEC, the state-owned company that manages recovery and recycling, and by Quebec itself Governo. Sua mission is to manage the recovery of beverage packaging deposited throughout the territory. The creation of these specialized centers aims to consolidate and modernize the province’s recycling infrastructure.
- Centers Consignação and Consignação+: Locais specialized in returning packaging, complementing machines in supermarkets.
- Batch return technology: Permite the delivery of large quantities of packages at once, increasing efficiency.
- Interactive map and app: Ferramentas fingerprints to help citizens locate the nearest collection points.
- Centralized management: Consignaction, under the supervision of RECYC-QUÉBEC, coordinates the packaging recovery network.
- Volume processing: The management body’s centers already account for half of the provincial packaging volume.
Goals and challenges of modernization
The change implemented by Consignaction has an ambitious goal: to allow Quebec to achieve a 90% recovery rate of all beverage packaging by the year 2032. Este threshold will represent a volume of 5 billion packaging annually from March 1, 2027. The modernization is seen as a crucial step towards achieving these sustainability goals environmental.
Jean-François Lefort, vice president of strategy at Consignaction, recognizes that the modernization of the recycling container recovery network is generating challenges. Ele admits that the population will have to adapt their habits to the new collection model. “The modernization of the recycling container recovery network is causing headaches for some citizens and companies,” stated Lefort.
To mitigate the difficulties of the transition, Consignaction guarantees that there will be support in the new centers. Sr. Lefort specified that employees will be present at the locations to explain the new return process and assist citizens. Essa The measure aims to facilitate adaptation and ensure that everyone understands the new system guidelines.
The removal of machines in supermarkets is not a random or abrupt process. Consignaction ensures that any changes are only made after ensuring that an alternative, easily accessible collection point is available nearby. Essa strategy seeks to minimize the immediate impact on consumers and maintain service coverage in all regions.
Adaptation in rural areas
In smaller municipalities and rural areas, the approach to implementing the new deposit system differs from that applied in large urban centers. Nessas locations, the collection point tends to remain with local retailers, unlike the mass removal observed in cities. Essa decision takes into account specific infrastructure and population density.
Consignaction will be responsible for providing the necessary equipment to retailers in rural areas, ensuring they can continue to operate as efficient collection points. The vice president of strategy at Consignaction, Jean-François Lefort, explained the dynamics. Segundo Now, the machines can be found in a container or parking lot, in an external system similar to what previously existed.
Currently, there are approximately 120 locations that operate with this external system, where return points are installed in dedicated structures outside the main establishment. The model aims to provide convenience for the retailer and maintain accessibility for residents of smaller communities. Lefort assesses that, so far, the new system is working effectively, meeting the proposed objectives.
“It guarantees that, so far, [the new system] is working extremely well”, highlighted Lefort, reinforcing the organization’s confidence in the effectiveness of regional adaptations. Flexibility in implementation is key to ensuring the transition is smooth and efficient across Quebec, meeting the diverse needs of its communities.
Expansion to new materials
The Quebec deposit system has demonstrated significant growth in its recovery capacity. Atualmente, the network can recover around four billion containers per year. Este number represents a substantial increase compared to the 2.5 billion packages recovered two and a half years ago, when the first phase of modernization began.
Jean-François Lefort highlighted the grandeur of this advance. “It’s a huge thing,” he said, emphasizing that the system’s expansion is not just limited to the volume of packaging processed, but also extends to the type of materials that can be returned and refunded. Essa Diversification is an important step towards a more comprehensive approach to recycling.
For now, the new deposit system only includes packaging made from aluminum and plastic. Esses materials are the first to be integrated into the modernized network, reflecting an initial priority on processing the most common, high-volume container types. The recovery of these packaging already contributes significantly to the province’s environmental goals.
From March 2027, the system will be expanded to include cardboard and glass packaging such as wine bottles and milk cartons. Essa Magnification represents a greater challenge due to the complexity of handling these materials. Lefort explained that “When you double the volume and the types of materials you handle become more complex, retailers don’t want to do that [and] don’t have the capacity to do it.” Esta is one of the reasons why centralization in specialized centers is considered essential for long-term success.