Long wait times at Montreal bottle recycling sites cause frustration

Long wait times and out-of-service machines at Consignaction return sites are leaving customers frustrated.

The centres have recycling machines and staff that help trade used bottles and cans for cash on the spot.

Consignaction user Jocelyne Limoges said she went to make a return at one of the return sites in LaSalle last week, but when she got there, the centre was closed.

“The machines weren’t working,” she said.

Then she drove to another nearby location.

“There was a line up right around the corner,” said Limoges. “People were just dumping their bags saying, ‘screw it.’”

On Friday, the machines at the Consignaction centre in LaSalle were up and running. However, customers say there was a long wait.

Some told CTV News that what should have been a 10-minute errand lasted an hour, and those who need the extra bucks have no choice but to wait.

“We’re aware of the frustration that it causes,” said Jean-François Lefort, vice-president of strategy at Consignaction, adding that people can drop of their recyclables at designated locations and get reimbursed electronically using the app.

Lefort said customers should make sure there are no liquids inside the bottles and cans, as this can cause the machines to break down.

Currently, there are 66 return sites across Quebec, with plans to expand to 400 by 2027. Lefort said the increased number of sites will ease congestion.

“We’re looking to municipalities to help with zoning and permits,” he said.