January 1 marks the beginning of a groundbreaking reform in Quebec’s recycling system, as Eco Entreprises Quebec (EQ) takes over the management of selective collection. This bold change shifts responsibility for product life cycles—from production to recycling—to the companies themselves.
With this reform, municipalities no longer oversee or finance recycling. Instead, EQ will manage the process across the province, a move the government under Premier François Legault hopes will reduce landfill waste and increase recycling rates. As part of this effort, the list of recyclable items as been expanded and standardized, making it easier for citizens to participate.
Under the new guidelines, all containers, packaging, and printed materials must now go into the recycling bin, even if they are currently not recyclable, such as chip bags and yogurt tubs. This expanded list aims to simplify recycling and boost participation. According to EQ, the inclusion of these items is a step toward creating a more circular economy.
EQ’s CEO, Maryse Vermette, is optimistic about the reform’s impact. “Our goal is to recycle as much as possible within Quebec, establishing a circular economy for containers, packaging, and printed materials,” she said. Vermette emphasized that while some materials will still be exported—particularly mixed fibers and paper—efforts are underway to develop local markets for all recyclable goods by 2025. “This is a crucial part of our responsibility, and we’re working hard to make it happen,” she added.
Environmental groups have welcomed the change. Karel Ménard, director of the Front Quebecois for Ecological Waste Management, noted that municipalities lacked control over many of these materials, making the reform a logical shift. “Residents will notice a decrease in their garbage volume because most of the waste consists of packaging that will now be recycled,” he said.
For cities on Montreal’s North Shore, such as Boisbriand, Rosemère, Blainville, Deux-Montagnes, Sainte-Thérèse, and Saint-Eustache, this reform represents a significant opportunity. These suburban communities, known for their growing populations and residential focus, face unique challenges with waste management. The new standardized system simplifies recycling for residents, many of whom are already environmentally conscious and eager to do their part.
In Sainte-Thérèse and Saint-Eustache, local leaders have praised the reform as a step forward in reducing the environmental footprint of their cities. Community initiatives are being planned to educate residents about the expanded list of recyclable materials, ensuring that everyone can easily adapt to the new system. Similarly, Deux-Montagnes and Boisbriand are working to integrate these changes into existing waste management programs, aiming to make recycling more efficient and effective.
The reform’s emphasis on local markets for recyclable materials could also bring economic benefits to these areas. With centralized management under EQ, cities like Rosemère and Blainville may see improved access to recycling facilities and the potential for new green jobs tied to processing and innovation in recycling technologies.
Collaboration with municipalities is central to the reform’s success. EQ has launched action plans with local governments to improve the quality of materials placed in recycling bins. Some municipalities have even introduced quality control teams to ensure compliance. While EQ had advocated for penalties for non-compliant residents, this measure did not pass.
Education and awareness campaigns are another key component of the initiative. EQ aims to help residents understand what can and cannot be recycled, promoting correct use of recycling bins and increasing participation rates. In North Shore communities, these campaigns could foster a sense of pride in contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
While challenges remain—particularly in finding local markets for certain materials—this reform is a major step toward sustainability. Quebec’s bold approach demonstrates its commitment to tackling global environmental challenges through innovative waste management practices. As Vermette puts it, “We’re paving the way for a more sustainable future.”