British Columbia has one of Canada’s best-known beverage container deposit systems. Every time you buy a can of pop, a bottle of water, a carton of juice or even a jug of milk, you pay a small deposit that you can get back when you return the empty container.
That system is called Return-It, and it is run by a not-for-profit stewardship organisation called Encorp Pacific. This guide explains how the deposit system works, current deposit rates, which containers are covered, the extra recycling fee on your receipt, how to get your refund at depots and Express locations, and what businesses need to know about their responsibilities.
Table of Contents
What Is Return-It?
Return-It is BC’s deposit-refund programme for beverage containers. It is operated by Encorp Pacific under provincial law, to fulfill the requirements of the Recycling Regulation (BC Reg. 449/2004) under the Environmental Management Act for Beverage Containers – Schedule 1.
The network includes several types of return locations. The Return-It™ network consists of independently owned and operated Return-It depot collection facilities that have collection agreements with Encorp, as well as corporate Return-It Express Plus™ locations and Express & GO™ unstaffed stations.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Operator | Encorp Pacific (Canada), a stewardship organisation |
| Legal basis | BC Recycling Regulation, Schedule 1 |
| Deposit amount | 10 cents on covered beverage containers |
| Return options | Depots, Express drop-off, Express & GO stations, some retailers |
| Refund method | Cash at depots or electronic refunds through Express |
| Required recovery rate | 75 percent |
Deposit Rates in BC
BC uses a simple, single deposit rate. Starting October 12, 2020, consumers are charged the unified deposit of 10¢ for all beverage containers covered by the Return-It system, and refunded 10¢ upon return.
Before that change, rates varied. Encorp raised the deposit from 5 cents to 10 cents for soft drinks, juice, water, energy drinks and sports drinks up to and including 1 liter in size in November 2019, and at that point bottles over 1 liter had a 20-cent deposit. Moving to a single 10-cent rate made the system easier for shoppers and retailers.
Which Containers Are Covered
Ready-to-Drink Beverages
The deposit applies to most ready-to-drink beverages sold in sealed containers, including:
- Soft drinks and sparkling water
- Bottled water
- Juices and juice drinks
- Sports and energy drinks
- Iced tea and ready-to-drink coffee
- Wine, spirits and other alcoholic beverages in many container types
Milk and Plant-Based Beverages
As of February 1, 2022, milk and plant-based beverage containers are also part of the Return-It deposit system. The deposit was applied to all ready-to-drink milk and plant-based beverage cartons, plastic jugs, metal containers and glass containers.
The province expected a big impact, estimating another 20-40 million containers will be recycled each year now that milk containers are included in the deposit-refund system.
Container Types
Covered containers can include aluminium cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, cartons, drink pouches and bag-in-box packaging. Check the label or the Return-It website if you are unsure.
What Is Not Covered
Beer containers are largely handled through a separate brewers’ return system, and containers for non-beverage products, such as sauces or cleaning products, do not carry a Return-It deposit. Those items usually go through Recycle BC household recycling instead.
The Container Recycling Fee (CRF)
Many shoppers notice an extra charge on their receipt besides the deposit. This is the container recycling fee, or CRF.
- The deposit is refundable when you return the container.
- The CRF is not refundable.
The CRF covers the cost of recycling when deposits and material sales are not enough. Encorp explains that the fee is charged on a container to make up the shortfall, and the CRF is remitted to Encorp upon the distribution and sale of registered containers in BC.
When milk containers were added, a container recycling fee (CRF) ranging from one to 16 cents, based on the type of milk or milk-alternative container was also introduced. The fee varies by container type because some materials cost more to collect and process than others.
How to Get Your Refund
Option 1: Return-It Depots
Traditional depots are the most common choice. You bring your containers, staff count them and you receive your refund. Sorting containers by type before you go can speed things up.
Option 2: Return-It Express
Express makes returns much faster. The Express system provides a level of consumer convenience by removing the need for customers to sort their containers and wait in line for their refund. Customers tag their bags, drop them off and are on their way within minutes.
Refunds go into your Express account, and you can manage it through a mobile app. Customers can review prior Express drop-offs, track bag counts and monitor deposit refunds, and when ready, they may request an e-transfer.
Option 3: Express & GO Stations
For maximum flexibility, Express & GO locations are unstaffed solar-powered drop-off stations with extended hours and contactless service. You use the same bag-and-tag process as regular Express.
Option 4: Retailers
Some retailers accept returns of the containers they sell. When milk containers joined the system, Return-It noted that returns can be made in limited numbers at retailers, or in unlimited numbers at any B.C. Return-It site.
Step-by-Step: Using Return-It Express
- Download the Return-It Express app or sign up for an account.
- Collect your empty containers in a clear or standard bag.
- Print or obtain bag tags linked to your account.
- Drop the tagged bags at an Express or Express & GO location.
- Wait for the containers to be counted.
- Check your app for the refund amount.
- Transfer the money to your bank by e-transfer or keep it in your account.
There is no need to sort or rinse containers perfectly, but emptying them helps keep the process clean and quick.
How the Network Is Growing
Encorp has been expanding convenient return options. Its 2025 report notes it expanded its footprint by opening the East Vancouver depot, established a third small-format Return-It Express drop-off location in Langley, and added four Express & GO stations across Metro Vancouver.
Encorp Pacific now owns and operates 14% of the BC Return-It collection network through its province-wide Express & GO stations and depot network. Most of the remaining network is run by independent depot owners under agreements with Encorp.
Recovery Rates and Performance
Encorp must meet a minimum target set by law. Encorp Pacific has a government-mandated recovery rate of 75%, expressed in the Environmental Management Act.
Higher deposits helped boost returns. Before the 10-cent change, British Columbia achieved a 77.4% recovery rate for deposit containers in 2018, according to Encorp’s 2018 report. In 2023, the recovery rate was about 79.6 percent.
Why the Deposit System Matters
Environmental Benefits
Deposit systems capture far more containers than regular recycling bins alone. Clean, separated containers are easier to recycle into new products, reducing litter, landfill waste and the need for new raw materials.
Cleaner Communities
The 10-cent refund gives people a reason to pick up containers from parks, beaches and streets, which helps keep public spaces cleaner.
Income Opportunities
Many charities, sports teams and schools run bottle drives to raise money. Individuals can also collect containers for extra cash.
Return-It for Businesses
Retailers and Brand Owners
Businesses that sell or supply beverages in BC generally must register their containers with a stewardship programme, collect deposits and CRFs at the point of sale and remit them as required. Most companies meet these duties by joining Encorp.
Offices, Restaurants and Events
Commercial locations such as offices, restaurants, schools and event venues generate large volumes of beverage containers. Setting up bins and returning containers can recover deposits and reduce garbage hauling costs. Encorp and some depots offer pickup services for larger volumes.
Fundraising Programmes
Non-profits and community groups can use Return-It Express accounts to collect refunds directly from bottle drives, making fundraising simpler and more transparent.
Return-It vs Recycle BC
| Programme | What It Covers | Refund? |
|---|---|---|
| Return-It | Beverage containers with deposits | Yes, 10 cents per container |
| Recycle BC | Household packaging and paper without deposits | No |
If a container has a deposit, return it through Return-It to get your money back. If not, place it in your blue box or take it to a Recycle BC depot.
Tips to Maximise Your Refunds
- Keep a dedicated bin or bag for deposit containers at home.
- Empty containers to avoid mess and odours.
- Use Return-It Express to save time.
- Check your receipts so you know which containers carry deposits.
- Check best-before dates on older milk containers, as items sold before the deposit started are not refundable.
- Combine returns with errands to save fuel and time.
Final Thoughts
The Return-It deposit system makes it easy for British Columbians to recycle beverage containers and get money back. With a simple 10-cent deposit on most drinks, including milk and plant-based beverages, and convenient options such as Express and Express & GO stations, returning containers takes only a few minutes.
Understanding the difference between the refundable deposit and the non-refundable container recycling fee helps you track your costs, while regular returns keep money in your pocket and waste out of landfills.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is the bottle deposit in BC?
Covered beverage containers in BC carry a unified 10-cent deposit, refunded when you return the container.
2. Is the container recycling fee refundable?
No. The container recycling fee is a separate, non-refundable charge that helps pay for recycling costs.
3. Can I return milk containers for a refund in BC?
Yes. Since February 1, 2022, milk and plant-based beverage containers carry a 10-cent deposit and can be returned at Return-It locations.
