Quebec deposit system costs set to rise 45 per cent to $450 million next year, Radio-Canada reports
Radio-Canada reported on 20 October that the costs of Quebec's deposit system will rise from $308 million this year to $450 million next year, an increase of 45 per cent, according to a Consignaction document it obtained. The increase is linked to the expansion of the system: from 1 March 2027, wine and spirits bottles and multilayer cartons such as milk and juice cartons will carry a deposit, adding close to a billion containers. More than half of the costs will go to developing the network of return points. Radio X, citing the same reporting, said Consignaction will pass part of the bill to producers and to the Société des alcools du Québec.
The deposit system is financed by the industry, so a 45 per cent rise in costs can move into prices through producers and the liquor board. The system is currently running a deficit, which is why Consignaction is seeking to recover costs.
If you buy wine, spirits or packaged milk and juice in Quebec, expect deposit and recycling fees to appear from March 2027. The size of any price change at the till is not yet known.
Radio-Canada reported the rise is tied to adding wine, spirits and cartons, close to a billion more containers a year, with more than half of the costs going to the network of return points.
Industry groups and some commentators worry the bill will reach consumers, and Radio X reported that environmental fees are separate from the refundable deposit and will also be taxable.
Confirmed: the $308 million and $450 million figures and the 1 March 2027 start, as reported by Radio-Canada. Not confirmed: the final price effect on consumers. Watch for Consignaction's fee schedule and any government response.
DailyDrop Canada edition No. 16 · Morning · TUE., OCT. 20, 2026