TOMRA has signed a long-term agreement for the supply of advanced collection, sorting, and processing equipment for new recycling depots in Quebec, Canada.

Approximately 1,350 TOMRA machines will be installed as part of the deal with local producer responsibility organisation the Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association.

The automated collection equipment is set to be introduced in Quebec starting in early 2024 and will be implemented across three years.

TOMRA plans to invest roughly Nkr430m in the new infrastructure during this timeframe.

Quebec's redemption centres will feature TOMRA T9 and T70 reverse vending machines, with TOMRA also installing Expert Line bulk collection technology at industrial facilities for consumer interaction.

The agreement follows the expansion of Quebec's deposit return scheme (DRS) on 1 November.

Before 1 November, the region's DRS initiative only included beer/soft drink cans, polyethylene terephthalate, and a small portion of one-way glass.

It will now cover all drinkable beverages, ranging from 100ml to two litres, including cans, plastic, glass bottles, and cartons.

The deposit/refund amount has also increased from five cents to ten cents, except for glass, which now refunds 25 cents.

The Quebec DRS expansion will be conducted in two stages. Additional expansions are planned for March 2025, involving more container types and targeted return locations.

TOMRA Canada general manager and SVP Alain Nault said: “It is inspiring that Quebec is making huge new strides with the modernisation of their drink container recycling program, promising to become one of the most efficient systems in the world.”