The financial contribution producers must make to the curbside recycling system is not only determined by the amount and type of materials reported, system cost, and the total amount of materials reported by all producers. The compatibility of collected or marketed materials with recycling or recovery infrastructure also makes a difference.
Ecomodulation measures incentivize the use of easily recyclable materials and penalize the use of materials that are non-recyclable or that impede the processing of other materials.
Rates by material
Every material that must be reported is assigned a rate according to its type and its suitability for a recycling stream. Put simply, these rates are calculated based on the answers to three questions:
- How does the material behave at the sorting centre (MRF)?
- Can it be sorted, processed, and recycled so it can have a second life?
- Will it disrupt the recycling of other materials?
Key determinants of the rates for each material subject to a fee
- Total costs of curbside recycling
- Net cost for each material
- Quantity of reported containers, packaging, and printed paper
- Recovery rate of each material
Incentives
1. Credit for recycled content
Do you market containers, packaging, and/or printed matter made from recycled materials? You could get a 20% credit applied to your contribution if you meet or exceed the post-consumer recycled content thresholds.
How do I apply for the credit?
- Complete and submit the application form via the reporting portal, and make sure your report is submitted by the deadline.
- Submit all supporting documents for each of the materials concerned by the date of your first financial contribution at the latest.
2. Ecodesign incentive bonus
We want to reward you for following ecodesign principles when designing your containers and packaging. That’s why we offer a bonus in the form of a credit on your bill.
What can a bonus request yield?
- Bonus percentages applicable to ten eco-design actions divided into four themes
- Maximum credit of $25,000 per application
- Up to a $60,000 credit for combined applications
How do I submit an application?
- Fill out the form with the details of the ecodesign actions you have taken.
- Send the form to bonusecoconception@eeq.ca before the deadline for the first payment of your financial participation.
Would you like more details on eligible actions or how to prepare your application? Consult the Ecodesign Incentive Bonus Guide and our FAQ. |
Financial penalty (malus)
We have introduced a penalty to discourage the use of materials that cannot be easily recycled or that disrupt the processing of other materials. This penalty is also a reminder of the economic and environmental impact of the containers, packaging, and printed paper you market.
The amounts from the penalty will be deposited into a fund intended to support initiatives aimed at accelerating the use of recyclable materials compatible with the curbside recycling system.
These penalties apply to...
- Any producer who submits a detailed report
- Any container or packaging whose predominant material is subject to a penalty
Our Malus Guide outlines how the malus is applied and provides examples of substitutions of targeted materials. You can access it right here.
Consult the guideWhich materials are penalties are apllied to?
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
PVC is a plastic material that has been used for many years to make containers and packaging. It is accepted in recycling bins, but it does not have a recycling pathway. It cannot be processed or reintroduced into the market. Because it contains chlorine and additives, it can disrupt the recycling of other materials, affect operations in sorting centres, and cause problems for the environment and health.
Polylactic acid (PLA) and other degradable plastics
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a plastic material typically made from corn starch or sugar cane. It is increasingly used to manufacture containers and food packaging.
Biodegradable plastics contain additives to accelerate their breakdown into small pieces, which contributes to the microplastic problem.
These materials are not accepted in recycling bins. As our report on this material shows, there are no adequate pathways for processing these materials at the end of their life.
The penalty is a percentage of the contribution rate related targeted materials, and is applied in full to the first payment of the year. For the current year's rate, for example, the penalty is 20% of the contribution amount related to PVC, PLA, and other degradable plastics. It is applied to the payment on January 1 of the following year.