Beverage Container Refunds - Program Changes

The Government of Prince Edward Island is transitioning its Beverage Container Program to an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model effective April 1, 2026, affecting deposits and refunds on cans, bottles and other beverage containers.

Legislative Changes

Government will repeal of the Beverage Containers Act, effective April 1, 2026, in order to make way for a new industry-led model for the beverage container program, giving more money back to Islanders. Under the plan, there will be a deposit of 10 cents on each container, with a refund of 10 cents on return. This is known as a 'full-back' system.

Container deposits and refunds will be dealt with through regulations under the Environmental Protection Act, similar to other extended producer responsibility programs already running in PEI. Division 9 of the Materials Stewardship and Recycling Regulations outlines the changes that will come into effect on April 1, 2026 in regard to beverage containers. 

Extended Producer Responsibility

This is an industry-led extended producer responsibility (EPR) model. This means that companies that make or sell products, like beverage containers, are responsible for what happens to them after you're done using them. The program would be run by a non-profit industry association set up by the beverage container industry for this purpose. 

Encorp has been chosen as the producer responsibility organization (PRO) for PEI. Information and updates are available on Encorp's website at Prince Edward Island Beverage Container Stewardship Program – Encorp Atlantic / Atlantique.

In programs like this, a small container recycling fee (CRF) is added to beverage containers. The fee is set by industry, it varies by container type and covers recycling costs. The fee only applies to containers bought after the program starts; older containers will still get the full 10 cent refund.

When will the increase happen?

Responding to feedback from industry partners, the new model will be in place for April 1, 2026. This start date takes into account concerns from stakeholders related to the administrative challenges in switching models and will ensure a more comprehensive and smooth transition. 

At that point, beverage container returns will be run by Encorp, a non-profit set up exclusively for this purpose on behalf of the industry that sells beverages in these containers. This model will still use existing beverage container depots so Islanders will see no change in how they return containers

Where will I drop off my bottles and cans?

PEI's beverage container depots will operate as normal, however they will work with the industry association rather than the government. The customer would see no change to the process, but they would receive a 10-cent refund. 

What are the fees?

Once fully implemented, the customer will pay a 10-cent deposit and get their full 10-cent deposit refunded.

In programs like this, a small recycling fee is added to beverage containers. The fee is set by industry, and it varies by container type and covers recycling costs. The fee only applies to containers bought after the program starts, not containers purchased before the change. 

The recycling fee may increase or decrease based on the cost to recycle materials. Some containers might not have a fee at all.

Encorp lists these fees on their website at Prince Edward Island Beverage Container Stewardship Program – Encorp Atlantic / Atlantique

Why aren't the deposits higher?

In the beginning phase a higher increase was considered. Partners highly prefer regional coordination, so we chose to align our program with New Brunswick. New Brunswick has already moved to an EPR model and Nova Scotia is conducting a similar review of their program to consider options for improvement.

Who covers the programs cost?

The program will be run by Encorp, a non-profit industry association set up for this purpose. The recycling fee will fund the administration of this program including paying handling fees to depots, program operations for trucking, marketing and promotion, etc. Government would no longer receive revenue or spend money on this program. 

Will the depots be able to financially handle the influx of returns when the program is launched?

Yes, the department maintains consistent coordination with the bottle depots and there will be a plan in place to handle the increased returns once the program begins.

If the program is an industry led model does that mean that there will be no consumer protection to fee increases?

Fees would be re-evaluated annually by the industry agent responsible for the program. The non-profit running the program can’t raise fees unless to cover recycling costs. This is the same for all 9 other industry-run programs in PEI.

What other EPR models exist in PEI?

There are nine other EPR models in operation in PEI. This covers lead acid batteries, oil/glycol, electronics, agricultural plastics, pharmaceuticals, medical sharps, lights/lamps, paint, and rechargeable and single-use batteries. This includes the following:

• Agricultural Waste - Cleanfarms
• Electronics Recycling - Recycle My Electronics™
• Paint Recycling - Product Care Recycling
• Light Recycling - Product Care Recycling
• Batteries - Call2Recycle