The Quebec government has launched a review and overhaul of its three‑year bottle deposit‑refund system, known as Consignaction, after the program’s debut in 2023. The assessment comes as the province seeks to address the mixed reactions it has received from residents who have used the scheme.
Consignaction, introduced as the first phase of Quebec’s broader bottle deposit‑refund initiative, allows consumers to return eligible containers for a refund. Since its launch, the program has generated a range of responses from users, reflecting both support for its environmental goals and criticism over practical aspects of its operation.
Provincial officials indicated that the review will examine how the system functions for both participants and the government. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and to refine the overall framework of the deposit‑refund model. While details of the overhaul have not been disclosed, the government has signaled its intention to adjust the program based on the feedback collected from residents.
The mixed feedback highlighted by the review includes comments on convenience, accessibility of return points, and the clarity of the refund process. Residents who have taken part in Consignaction have expressed differing opinions, underscoring the need for a balanced approach that maintains environmental benefits while enhancing user experience.
As the review progresses, Quebec’s authorities plan to engage with stakeholders to gather further input. The outcome of the overhaul will shape the next stage of the province’s effort to reduce waste through a deposit‑refund system, building on the foundation laid by the 2023 launch of Consignaction.
The government’s commitment to revisiting the program demonstrates an ongoing effort to refine Quebec’s environmental policies and to ensure that the bottle deposit‑refund system meets the expectations of its residents.