Are you eligible for a refund?

If your company sells beverage containers in British Columbia, understanding your reporting responsibilities is critical — especially when it comes to refund eligibility. Many refund inquiries arise not from calculation errors, but from confusion about who is responsible for registering, reporting, and remitting BC recycling fees.

This is where the Remitter Relationship Agreement (RRA) becomes important.

Producer Responsibilities

Under the Recycling Regulation, a producer or brand owner who sells ready-to-drink beverages in British Columbia and has appointed Encorp Pacific (Canada) to fulfill their regulatory obligations must:

• Charge BC Deposit and Container Recycling Fees (CRF) to all BC customers

• Register all beverage containers within the Encorp system

• Report and remit collected BC recycling fees to Encorp

In certain cases, these responsibilities may be transferred to another party through a Remitter Relationship Agreement (RRA).

Why This Matters for Refund Eligibility?

Refund eligibility depends on who is officially responsible for reporting and remitting fees within the Return-It system.

You may be eligible for an adjustment or refund if:

• You are the registered Remitter

• Fees were reported or paid in error

• Duplicate reporting occurred

• Incorrect volumes were declared

You may not be eligible if:

• You are not the designated Remitter

• Another party has already reported and remitted the fees

• No formal Remitter Relationship Agreement is in place

Without a signed agreement, responsibility remains with the Primary Producer, as per the BC Recycling Regulation definition.

Do You Need a Remitter Relationship Agreement?

Guidance questions:

• Does your company sell beverage containers in BC without charging deposits and CRFs to your customers?

• Do you have a verbal agreement with a retailer or distributor that they will report and remit fees on your behalf?

If you answered “Yes” to either question, you must complete a Return-It Remitter Relationship Agreement with each company involved. Verbal agreements are not sufficient for regulatory compliance.

Best Practice for Compliance

To avoid reporting discrepancies and refund disputes:

• Ensure all beverage containers are properly registered under your company profiles

• Confirm who is responsible for reporting and remitting

• Formalize all remitter relationships in writing

• Keep documentation aligned with invoices and reporting records

Clear agreements help prevent duplicate reporting, reconciliation issues, and compliance risks.

Final Reminder

Under the BC Recycling Regulation, Producers remain responsible for compliance unless a formal Remitter Relationship Agreement transfers those duties.

If you are unsure about your reporting status or refund eligibility, reviewing your agreements is the best first step.

Clear roles mean clear accountability — and smoother participation in the Return-It system.