Container deposit fee doubles

The deposit fee B.C. residents pay for most non-alcohol containers will be doubling as of next month, as a way to get more people to recycle.

Return-It says the deposit charged for containers up to one litre will increase from five to 10 cents, as of November 1.

Consumers get the deposit back when they return the containers at bottle depots.

“Raising the deposit value will provide additional incentive for consumers to return their beverage containers,” Allen Langdon, President a d CEO of Return-It said. “B.C. is already a leader when it comes to protecting our environment and being at the forefront of industry product stewardship. The increase we are announcing today is an important step forward to optimize our system and increase recovery rates.”

The higher deposit fee will include containers for soft drinks, juice, water, energy and sport drinks up to, and including, one litre in size.

Council grants

Vernon to distribute over $50k in Council Discretionary Grants, $20K to the food bank

15h ago

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

Dec 13, 2025

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

Dec 13, 2025

“Diverting beverage containers from landfill, oceans and waterways remains Return-It’s highest priority and has informed its mandate over the years,” Langdon added.

Deposits for containers above one litre will not be impacted.

As part of a consultation process, the B.C. government is considering a unified deposit rate of 10 cents on all beverage containers to increase recovery and reduce consumer and retailer confusion.

“Return-It believes this approach will have a positive impact on increasing beverage container recovery rates in British Columbia,” Langdon said.

Click here for more information.