Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) released today its 2025 Review on the first year of operation of the modernized curbside recycling system, which is now governed by extended producer responsibility (EPR).
The new system, which took effect on January 1, 2025, makes producers fully responsible for the collection, sorting, marketing and recovery of the containers, packaging and printed paper they put on the market in Québec. This major transformation now centralizes all curbside recycling activities across Québec under a single organization.
At the end of this first year of operation, the transition was carried out with no breakdowns in service for citizens, while laying the groundwork for a more efficient, more transparent system that is more firmly rooted in the circular economy.
A successful transition across Québec
The modernization of the system was rolled out across Québec:
- 99% of the Québec population was served
- 21 sorting and pre-sorting facilities under contract with ÉEQ
Encouraging results in the first year
The modernized system is already showing progress toward increased recycling and improved material recovery:
- A total of nearly 791,000 tonnes of material was recovered in 2025, including curbside recycling, ecocentres and drop-off points.
- 87% residential recovery rate.
- Four out of five containers, packaging and printed paper units recovered were sent for recycling.
- 63% of these materials were recycled locally in Québec, up 5% from previous data.
- The contamination rate of materials placed in the bin was close to 13%.
A more structured and transparent system
For the first time, full governance of data—from collection to marketing—is centralized under a single entity. This first year of operation made it possible to establish a strong foundation for ÉEQ and its 2,800 member producers.
- 2025 Review on the modernized curbside recycling system for full results, analysis and outlook
- Press release for more details on this announcement.