Return-It announces a unified deposit for all refundable beverage containers

As of October 1st, there will be a 10-cent deposit for all ready-to-drink beverage containers that are part of the Return-It system.

This change started in November 2019, when Return-It increased the deposit for beverage containers 1 litre and under from 5 cents to 10 cents.

Now, starting October 1, containers that previously carried a 20-cent deposit, such as plastic, glass, and gable top containers over 1 litre in size, will switch to the new unified 10-cent deposit. By having one unified deposit for all beverage containers – regardless of the size - will simplify the overall system and make it even easier for consumers to recycle all their beverage containers.

Consumers will have until October 11, 2020 inclusive to return beverage containers purchased before the deposit change. After that date, consumers will be charged the unified deposit of 10 cents for all beverage containers covered by the Return-It system and refunded 10 cents upon return. To receive a refund, simply return empty containers at a Return-It depot, through Express or other collection locations province-wide.

As the industry-owned stewardship organization that has managed the recycling of beverage containers in B.C. for over 25 years, Return-It provides convenient, efficient and environmentally sustainable collection networks for everyone in B.C. In 2019, Return-It increased its recovery rate from prior years to 78.1% and is focused on improving it even further.

In July, Return-It announced a broad suite of innovations to modernize British Columbia’s beverage container recycling system to make it easier and more convenient to recycle — ensuring future generations can enjoy a greener, healthier province. The initiatives, including implementing a 10-cent unified deposit, reflect feedback from consumers and put a clear focus on enhancing the Return-It recycling system to divert more material from our landfills, oceans and waterways.