Beverage Container Program

The Beverage Container Program was established to increase the range of beverage options available to consumers while encouraging the recovery, reuse and recycling of used beverage containers. 

What beverage containers are included in the program?

Beverage containers sold, with the exception of most dairy products, carry a deposit and are worth a cash refund when returned to one of the province's 10 licensed depots - see recycling depot map. The list below shows many of the beverage containers that can be returned for a deposit, but it is not intended to be a complete list. 

Gable Top Beverage Cartons

• Juice
• Sport, energy and diet drinks

No milk. No milk substitutes.

Plastic Beverage Containers

• Juice
• Sport, energy and diet drinks
• Pop/soft drinks
• Water
• Alcohol
• Mini sip bags

No milk jugs

Aluminum Beverage Cans

• Juice
• Sport, energy and diet drinks
• Pop/soft drinks
• Water
• Alcohol

Tetra Pak Beverage Cartons

• Juice
• Sport, energy and diet drinks

No milk. No milk substitutes.

Steel Beverage Cans

• Juice
• Sport, energy and diet drinks

No food cans

Glass Beverage Bottles

• Juice
• Sport, energy and diet drinks
• Pop/soft drinks
• Water
• Alcohol and imported beer

Refillable Beer Bottles

• Brown, green and clear domestic bottles

What about plant-based milk alternative containers?

There is no deposit charged on milk. There is no deposit charged on milk alternatives that are fortified and a source of protein.

Some plant-based beverage containers may be eligible to return for a deposit if the beverage is not labelled as "Fortified" and is not a source of protein. Most often these are soy and almond beverages.

What are the deposit and refund amounts for beverage containers?

• Beverage containers have a $0.10 deposit and $0.05 refund
• Alcohol containers larger than 500 ml have a 0.20 deposit and $0.10 refund
• Deposits on refillable domestic beer bottles are completely refundable ($1.20 per dozen)

What do I do with my empty beverage containers?

You can return containers, for a refund, to one of the ten licensed depots located across the province. Alternatively, you can discard of clean beverage containers in bag #2 of the provincial blue bag system to be recycled.

Where can I get beverage container distributor information?

Information for beverage container distributors is available at Beverage Distributor and Container Registration.

Who can I contact for more information?

Mike Cheverie (Beverage Container Program Coordinator)