In-store container and packaging recycling program
Packaging: A Shared Responsibility.
The SQDC is committed to encouraging more sustainable packaging practices, focusing on reducing weight, recycling, and recovering materials to help limit its environmental footprint.
With this in mind, we launched our Container and Packaging Recovery Program in all our stores in 2020. This program, which complements municipal recycling services, aims to divert as much material as possible from landfills.
Progress in Action
Thanks to our customers’ participation, 5.6% of packaging from products sold was recovered in 2024–2025 — on top of what was redirected through municipal recycling programs.
We’re also working closely with producers to help improve their packaging practices. By encouraging the use of more responsible materials, the proportion of packaging meeting our eco-responsibility criteria rose from 16% in 2023 to 79% in 2025.
Check out our Sustainable Development Action Plan (SDAP) for more details on our initiatives.
Why bring your containers and packaging back to the store?
Because some cannabis containers aren’t accepted in regular curbside recycling! Due to legal safety requirements around cannabis products, certain containers and packaging need to be sorted before they can be recycled. That’s why it’s important to return them to an SQDC store — it’s the only way to make sure they’re properly recycled.
What can be recycled at home?
All containers and packaging sold by the SQDC—except cans and bottles—can be returned to our stores as part of our recycling program. That said, some containers can also be placed in your curbside recycling bin. Find out what can go in your municipal recycling.
How to participate?
It’s simple:
- Empty your containers.
- Bring them to an SQDC store.
- Drop them off in the designated recycling bins.
All packaging from products sold at SQDC — tubes, jars, bags, bottles, no matter the material — can be returned to our stores.
Exception: Ready-to-drink cans and bottles must be returned to an official collection point, as they are subject to Québec’s deposit-return system.