The deposit system for soft-drinks is governed by an Agreement that details the rights and obligations of each of the parties involved. This Agreement (“The Agreement”) complements the Act respecting the sale and distribution of beer and soft-drinks in non-returnable containers as well as the Beer and soft-drinks distributors permits regulation.

The first Agreement, administered by BGE, was reached on December 1st 1999 between the ''Ministère du développement durable, de l'environnement et des parcs'', the "Société Québécoise de Récupération et de recyclage" (Recyc-Québec) and the "Association des embouteilleurs de boissons gazeuses du Québec inc.", Boissons gazeuses environnement (BGE) and its registrants. The most recent Agreement was reached with the same partners on January 1st 2007 and will be in effect until December 31, 2010. It has for objective to further the public interest of Quebecers by protecting the environment through the consignment, recovery and recycling of non-refillable soft drink containers.

In virtue of the Act respecting the sale and distribution of beer and soft drinks in non-returnable containers, none can sell or deliver beer or soft drinks in non-refillable containers in Quebec unless holder of a permit. The permits for the sale and the distribution of soft drinks are only issued to companies that adhere to the Agreement, on recommendation of the BGE to the Ministry of Environment.

You may obtain a copy of the agreement by clicking here