Understand the Beverage Container Program
Saskatchewan’s Beverage Container Collection and Recycling Program (BCP) is a province-wide system for the collection and recycling of non-refillable beverage containers sold and distributed in Saskatchewan.
Purchasers of ready-to-serve beverages in Saskatchewan must pay an environmental handling charge (EHC) and a refundable deposit to encourage the return of beverage containers for recycling.
In order to distribute ready-to-serve beverages in Saskatchewan, manufacturers and distributors (first importers) must apply to the Ministry of Environment for approval of their containers.
Once a business obtains approval, they will receive a licence to collect and remit the EHC and refundable deposit on approved containers.
File a Beverage Container Program Return
Overview
Businesses licensed to collect and remit the environmental handling charge (EHC) and refundable deposits on ready-to-serve beverage containers must file monthly Beverage Container Program (BCP) returns.
You must complete and submit your BCP Return with payment by the due date to avoid penalty and interest charges. Returns are due on the 20th day of the month following the end of the reporting period for returns filed or paid non-electronically or by the last day of the month for returns filed and paid electronically.
If there are no EHC and refundable deposits to report for the period, you must still file a “NIL” return.
Eligibility
You must report total quantities for all containers distributed in Saskatchewan. Containers given away or consumed in promotions are also subject to the EHC and deposits.
How to File
There are several ways to file your BCP return:
- File using Saskatchewan eTax Service (SETS), which is an online service that offers a secure, fast and convenient way to file your BCP return.
We recommend registering for SETS if you would like to access other provincial tax accounts, see past transactions, view your statement of account, etc. Register for an account via the SETS homepage.
- File BCP Returns by mail:
- Complete the BCP return form received by mail;
- Make cheque payable to the Minister of Finance; and
- Forward completed form along with payment to:
- Make payment through online banking.
BCP Return Forms
BCP Return Form - after April 1, 2018
Apply for a Beverage Container Program Refund
Overview
If you have remitted Beverage Container Program (BCP) amounts in error or have overpaid BCP amounts you may be eligible for a refund. You may claim a refund by applying to the Ministry of Finance.
Note that refund applications may be subject to future audit verification.
Eligibility
You must claim a refund within four years from the date of overpayment.
The Ministry of Finance will not pay refunds of $5 or less.
How to Apply
- Apply using SETS which is an online service that offers a secure, fast and convenient way to apply for a Beverage Container Program Refund.
- Submit a completed Application for Refund form along with supporting documentation to:
Email: SaskTaxInfo@gov.sk.ca
Write:
Ministry of Finance
Revenue Division
PO Box 200
Regina SK S4P 2Z6
Apply for a New BCP Account
How to Apply
Businesses may apply for a BCP Licence using one of the following methods:
- Register Online using SETS which is an online service that offers a secure, fast and convenient way to register your business to collect and report provincial taxes.
- New Businesses may submit their application by completing the online New Business Registration form to apply for a PST, LCT, VPT, BCP and/or IFTA Licence.
- Businesses that are already registered under another tax program may apply for a BCP Licence by logging into their SETS account and submitting a Service Request to Add account.
For further SETS instruction please visit SETS Learning.
- Mail-in:
Ministry of Finance
Revenue Division
PO Box 200
Regina SK S4P 2Z6
