Sorting centre crisis: system payers seek to be part of the solution
In the wake of the request by the Union des municipalités du Québec (UMQ) to assemble a working committee to revise the curbside collection business model, Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) has voiced its support for the initiative, on the express condition that the companies it represents—and which fund the system—have a seat at the table.
“Considering we contribute over $150 million annually to finance a system, we should be given a greater voice in the matter. The current crisis perfectly illustrates this and gives us the opportunity to find a way out of this problematic situation,” affirmed Maryse Vermette, president and chief executive officer, ÉEQ.
It is important to note that the 3 400 organizations that place containers, packaging and printed matter (CP&PM) on the market in Québec fund the curbside recycling system, including the contracts between municipalities and sorting centres.
“ÉEQ works to promote the quality of the materials and optimize the system to develop local outlets through a circular economy approach. The recent events raised important questions on the ways in which the system is regulated and the periodic injections of sums without any specific guarantees or clear benchmarks. Is it not time to consider the creation of a public emergency fund to mitigate the situation and, more importantly, resolve it on a long-term basis?” concluded Ms. Vermette.