Stores Cautioned Against Early Sales of Canned Drinks

The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry is cautioning retailers that the requirement for refillable beverage containers remains in effect.

Prince Edward Island’s Environmental Protection Act prohibits the sale of carbonated, flavoured beverages in containers that are not refillable. Government is now in the midst of a process of redesigning its legislation so that beverages can be sold in non-refillable containers. All drink containers (except dairy products) will then be subject to a system that levies a deposit at the time of purchase and gives the customer a return when the container is brought back for recycling.

The department is aware that some retailers have begun selling flavoured carbonated drinks, particularly energy drinks, in metal cans. The sale of these drinks in metal containers is prohibited under P.E.I. law as it stands, and selling them carries a possible maximum fine of $200 for an individual and $1,000 for a business.

While the laws regarding beverage containers are expected to be changed this year, the ban on metal containers remains in force until the legislation is repealed or amended.