Éco Entreprises Québec is officially designated as the organization to lead the modernization of curbside recycling in Quebec
Montréal, October 25, 2022 — Yesterday, RECYC-QUÉBEC appointed Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) as the Designated Management Organization (DMO) for curbside recycling. ÉEQ will now be responsible for developing, implementing, and financially supporting the modernized curbside recycling system on behalf of the obligated producers, as established in the Regulation respecting a system for the selective collection of certain residual materials adopted in July 2022 which introduces extended producer responsibility (EPR). Thanks to the support of more than 1,800 businesses, ÉEQ is proud to be entrusted with this role, which is part of a long-awaited reform.
EPR is a principle whereby the company that markets a product (the producer) is responsible for managing its life cycle, from design to recycling. Producers will thus, progressively between now and 2025, have full responsibility for the containers, packaging, and printed paper that they market in a circular economy perspective. By managing their collective responsibilities, ÉEQ will have access to important levers, as the direct principal and owner of recyclable materials. This accountability encourages the manufacturing of products with a lower environmental impact that are easy to recycle or reuse.
“For nearly a decade, ÉEQ has been known for its leadership in eco design with the companies it represents. In assuming its new role as DMO, ÉEQ will embody an inspiring and committed operational leadership by deploying all the solutions required in response to the challenges experienced in the field. These actions will be part of a vision to develop a true circular economy for containers, packaging, and printed paper. EPR represents a major change: producers will now play a more active role beyond just paying for a system they do not control. ÉEQ already works with producers, municipalities, and value chain actors to support them in this transformation.”
– Maryse Vermette, President and CEO of ÉEQ
A transfer of responsibility from municipalities to producers
The new model involves the transfer of municipal responsibilities to ÉEQ. Front-line, collection and transportation services with municipalities will still be maintained through framework agreements signed with ÉEQ. These agreements will facilitate the standardization of practices and the quality of material sorting throughout Quebec, while considering the various communities’ specific characteristics. Any services rendered under these agreements will be fully compensated. The regulation will also promote inter-municipal cooperation to reduce the number of contracts in the interests of administrative and operational efficiency.
New traceability levers will allow ÉEQ to communicate the destination of materials, which will restore the confidence of businesses and citizens who sort recyclables daily. For citizens, there will no longer be any confusion since everyone will now have access to the same list of accepted materials, regardless of where they live in Quebec.
A transformation for the benefit of all
More than ever, traceability and transparent accountability are at the heart of citizens’ expectations. This new operational framework will give ÉEQ the ability to know and secure the destination of sorted materials. It will be able to communicate performance and optimize relations between the players in the curbside recycling system. Citizens will benefit from simplified communication, a single list of accepted materials – a long-standing request from all stakeholders – and harmonization of sorting practices across Quebec.
A transition period that will guarantee success
The modernized curbside recycling system will gradually come into effect leading to December 31, 2024. During this transitional period, the municipal cost compensation system will continue to apply. However, it will be phased out as municipal curbside collection contracts expire.
Collaboration will be the key to the success of this change. ÉEQ will be taking several communication and mobilization actions over the next few months, including the creation of an online platform for the transmission of data by municipal organizations, aboriginal communities, and sorting centers. In addition to various consultation committees with experts from the field, a series of webinars will inform and mobilize all stakeholders. Finally, ÉEQ will meet with elected officials and municipal managers as part of a tour of Quebec’s regions. From curbside recycling to the circular economy: Together for a sustainable world.
About Éco Entreprises Québec
Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) is a private non-profit organization that represents the companies that place containers, packaging, and printed matter on the market in Quebec in their responsibility to finance the costs of effective and efficient municipal curbside recycling services. As an expert, ÉEQ optimizes the curbside recycling value chain and implements innovative approaches with a view to sustainable development and circular economy.
Highlights
- The modernization of curbside recycling follows a unique co-creation process set up by the government (French only) that included all the players in the curbside recycling value chain. It is based on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model.
- This regulatory framework will offer new opportunities, currently non-existent for companies that finance the current regime, such as being a direct client and owner of the material. Ensuring traceability, quality control and local recycling will also be part of the process.
- The consultation committees will aim to identify the issues and winning conditions of the transformation. They will also be a space to comment on the main principles of the implementation.
- There will be four committees on the following themes: Eco design and Recyclability of Materials, Recycling and Marketing of Materials, Sorting Centers and Municipal Partners for front-line services.
ÉEQ intends to assume this role with fairness, empowerment, and vigilance. In this spirit, it has also adopted a new mission statement: From curbside recycling to the circular economy: Together for a sustainable world
Additional information
To learn more about the modernization of curbside recycling, consult the Modernization page and the summary document (French only).
To learn more about the scope of the interrelationships of the upcoming transformation of curbside recycling, watch the explanatory video.
Photo credit: Éco Entreprises Québec
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Contact :
Arielle Grenier
Advisor, Media relations and partnerships
Éco Entreprises Québec
514 987-1491, Ext. 274
medias@eeq.ca