Even as the first return location for returnable containers prepares to open its doors, things have slowed down for Consignment, which is managing the expansion of a new network of return locations.
Of the 200 sites the company plans to open within a year, only four are currently under construction, including Granby, which will be the first to open.
A few visual elements still need to be installed, but the depot is almost ready to go, Consignment CEO Normand Bisson said. We should start operations in early April.
Another one will open soon in Montreal.
Brisson, our goal of 200 is always what we aim for.”,”text”:”Deadlines are short. There's really no time to lose but, for now, Mr. Brisson continues, our target of 200 is still what we're aiming for.”}}”>Due dates are very short. There's really no time to lose but, for now, Mr Brisson continues, our aim is only 200.
For consignment, the task promises to be huge and the coming months promise to be hectic as the company looks for premises to house its services.
So far, the company has identified 140 premises in Quebec that could become return locations, but the company has only signed a handful of leases so far. Normand Bisson, however, wants to be reassured.
A lease issue may not be the best indicator to determine project progress. The important thing for us is to first identify the premises and secure them.
He also claimed to have secured over a hundred Usually through a letter of intent leading to a lease
.
According to him, his organization should have completed identifying a total of 200 future return sites by the month of June.
By March 1, 2025, Consignment plans to open 75 return locations, particularly in Montreal, and nearly twenty in the Quebec region, when the deposit will expand to wine and spirits bottles, plastic water bottles and multi-layer cardboard boxes. Every region has some too, we promise.
By March 1, 2025, the number of returnable containers will increase from 2.8 billion to 5 billion.
New places to return to
Consignment plans to open two types of return locations across Quebec, some of which will be able to process a significant volume of returnable containers.
At each site, citizens can use automated recycling machines or drop off bags of containers so they can be sorted and quickly counted. Larger centers also have a bulk returns service.
A consignment plus 15 can be returned if million containersmillion containers”,”text”:”A consignment return can process around 5 to 7 million containers, while a consignment plus can retrieve 15 million containers”}}”>A consignment return can process around 5 to 7 million containers, while a consignment plus can retrieve 15 million containers.
Mr. Bisson said.
Aspirant citizens can avail their reimbursement through mobile application.
Our long-term goal is for consignment return locations to be the primary place for people to return their containers. That's why we want to keep them well positioned with the fastest service and on the shopping routes of citizens.
Each return location costs approximately $500,000 to $600,000 to develop, according to Consignment. The company estimates the total cost of these new network return points at $200 million.
Freight is in talks with Quebec to guarantee a portion of the financing, $150 million.
We are not asking the government to finance the system […] We requested the government to see if it would be suitable to guarantee the loan.
According to our information, Quebec is still studying the request made by the consignment. The Legault government is confident that the project will be completed, but there is some concern over its smooth running.
The second part brings its share of challenges and means more change and more logistics. That is why our teams in the Cabinet, at the Ministry and at Recyc-Québec are closely monitoring the evolution of the instructions to properly implement this second phase by March 1, 2025.
Environment Minister, Benoît Charette's office said.
By the end of 2026, Quebec will have 400 consignment return locations dedicated to the return of returnable beverage containers, adding to 1,100 return points at retailers.
More Stories
Demonstration for social housing: SPVQ forces FRAPRU to cancel camp
Collaboration and innovation: The University of Morocco opens a branch in Montreal
Employment Insurance: The Canadian plan increases the maximum insured income by $2,500