How Do I Prep My Empties for Refunds?
Before Your Visit
Make sure your containers are deposit-bearing because some containers are not eligible for a refund. If you are unsure about a certain container, you can still bring it to a used beverage container return location near you – staff will let you know if it is eligible or not for a refund.
Confirm hours of operation before visiting. Hours vary by return location, and many may be closed or operating with reduced hours during holidays and long weekends. Please check our return location listings for scheduled hours and call ahead before visiting around statutory holidays.
You can pre-sort and count containers at home. While staff at the return location will do this for you, having your containers organized by type (i.e. glass, metal, plastic, carton, etc.) will make getting your refund a lot quicker.
When returning your empties, following these simple tips will help ensure you receive your full deposit back, reduce waste, prevent contamination, and support proper recycling.
Leave caps on
Caps and other closures are part of the container and are recyclable.
Push straws in
Attached straws are part of the container and are recyclable.
Stack beer bottles in their case
Prevent glass breakage while returning recyclable packaging.
Leave wine bladders in
Wine bladders are part of the container and are recyclable.
Choose reusable bins/bags to collect and return your empty beverage containers
No reusable options? Opt for clear plastic bags.
Empty Liquid and Remove Any Debris
Prevent contamination of other recyclables.
Ensure Bottles Are Unbroken
Contribute to the safe handling at the return location.
Keep Cans Uncrushed
Labels must be visible for a deposit refund.
Keep Labels Intact
Labels identify which products are eligible for a deposit refund.
Make Sure To Only Return Beverage Containers Purchased in PEI
When you purchase a deposit-bearing beverage in PEI, the deposit you pay is refunded when you return the container for recycling at any of the province’s designated used beverage container return locations.
Deposits on beverages bought outside of PEI go to the recycling programs of their respective province or state, not PEI’s. As our program does not receive these funds, we are unable to refund deposits on containers purchased elsewhere.
Return locations in PEI thus have the right to refuse refunds for containers brought in from neighbouring regions, including Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Maine. Visitors to PEI may be refused refunds on all or certain beverage container products or asked to provide proof of purchase.
What can I get a refund for?
Return locations issue refunds for containers from ALL ready-to-drink beverage products for which you paid a deposit at purchase in PEI.