Modernization of Québec’s deposit and selective collection systems

The regulations concerning the modernization of the deposit and selective collection systems will come into force on July 7, 2022. For more information:

Regulation respecting the development, implementation and financial support of a deposit system for certain containers
- Administrative version (PDF, 534 KB)
- Simplified presentation of the regulation on the deposit system (French, PDF, 904 KB)

Regulation on a curbside selective collection system for certain types of residual materials
- Administrative version (PDF, 553 KB)
- Simplified presentation of the regulation on the selective collection system (French, PDF, 721 KB)

The modernization of the deposit and selective collection (better known as Packaging and Printed Paper (PPP) collection), systems according to an extended producer responsibility (EPR) (in French) approach will make it possible to better salvage and recycle containers, packaging, printed matter, and newspapers. The reform will also enhance Québec’s environmental performance and the development of the circular economy (in French).

Key steps in the modernization

Amendments of the Environment Quality Act

Tabling and examination of Bill 65 — An Act to amend mainly the Environment Quality Act with respect to deposits and selective collection (2020-2021).
Adoption of Bill 65 — An Act to amend mainly the Environment Quality Act with respect to deposits and selective collection (March 17, 2021)

Regulation

Publication of the draft regulation, 45 days of public consultation, and enactment of the regulation (January 26, 2022)
Beginning of the transition period to modernize the selective collection system (Autumn 2022)
Beginning of the new bottle deposit system broadened to include all beverage containers from 100 ml up to and including 2 L and rollout of the new network of return points (November 1, 2023, with the exception of multilayer containers, which will be integrated on November 1, 2025)
Conclusion of the transition period and full rollout under an EPR-based modernized selective collection system (January 2025)

Documents produced by the working group mandates for modernizing the selective collection system

Starting in 2020, four working groups comprising representatives of various stakeholders were established to propose ideas about the legislative and regulatory work needed to modernize the selective collection system. A number of deliverables have already been produced by these working groups, with others to come.

Modernized Curbside Collection System in Quebec - Expected variances from current system (PDF, 372 KB)
This document answers the questions that may arise among municipal representatives concerning the impact of the modernization of selective collection. Why modernize selective collection? What, in practical terms, does the modernization entail? What are the anticipated differences in relation to the existing system?

Modernized curbside collection system in Québec - How to get ready (September 2021, PDF, 699 KB)

This publication describes the contractual terms and conditions arising from the adoption of the Act to amend mainly the Environment Quality Act with respect to deposits and selective collection. It also proposes numerous recommended practices for use in preparing forthcoming calls for tenders, contract awards and/or their management until the full modernized system is in effect in 2025.

Transition to EPR curbside collection system - Materials accepted in the recycling bin (September 2021, PDF, 447 KB)

This leaflet sets out a uniform list of materials accepted in recycling bins during the transitional period throughout Quebec. It describes the accepted containers, packaging, printed matter and newspaper by category of materials: fiber, plastic, metal and glass. It also lists materials that are not accepted and materials requiring special attention. Specific notes are intended for municipal managers.

Review of municipal contract procedures for the transition to selective collection modernization (August 2021, French, PDF, 235 KB)

This publication looks at municipal curbside collection contracts to assist in the harmonious transition to the full modernized selective collection system.

Review of sorting centres in Québec (January 2022, French, PDF, 372 KB)

This document describes the current situation of all sorting centres in Québec, an important link in the curbside recycling value chain. The study also made it possible to identify the guideline criteria for sorting centres in other states and provinces.

Adequation overview of marketed, sorted and recycled containers, packaging, printed matter and newspapers (February 2022, French, PDF, 548 KB)

This document provides an overview of the marketing of non-returnable containers, packaging, printed matter and newspapers, and establishes the adequation between these marketed materials, sorting capacities and opportunities.

Study reports conducted as part of the preparatory work for the modernization of the deposit system

Report on the modernization of the deposit system (March 2021, French, PDF, 680 KB)

Presented by the Association québécoise de récupération des contenants de boissons and cosignatories, this report describes the operational and financial plan for the new deposit program.

Quebecers’ perception of the modernization and expansion of the deposit system (May 2021, French, PDF, 449 KB)

This document presents the results of a broad study assessing the behaviours and attitudes of citizens regarding the modernization and expansion of the deposit system. The study made it possible to identify the optimal conditions as well as the obstacles involved in ensuring citizen support and participation, and it establishes an initial approximate portrait of the expanded and modernized system.

System options and their costs: a modernized deposit system for Québec (August 2021, French, PDF, 2.5 MB)

This report analyzes various return infrastructure and assesses the cost of the deposit system to be implemented, with a view to achieving a 90% recycling rate.

Modeling project for the modernization of the deposit system and development of a deployment plan (October 2021, French, PDF, 1.5 MB)

This document provides a detailed proposal of a new structure to ensure the recovery and sorting at the source of materials resulting from the deposit on all ready-to-drink beverage containers ranging from 100 millilitres to 2 litres made of glass, plastic, multilayer cardboard and aluminum.

Interim report on pilot projects to modernize the deposit system (January 2022, French, PDF, 2.7 MB)

This report presents the complementarity of the selected pilot projects, the associated constraints, a description of each pilot project, and the lessons that we can learn after two months of recuperation under the expanded deposit system.