The Order 2024-1001, issued by the Minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks on June 4, 2024, approves the schedule of contributions for Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) and RecycleMédias. This order specifically pertains to contributions related to “containers and packaging,” “printed matter,” and “newspapers.” The decision is rooted in provisions outlined in the Environment Quality Act (Chapter Q-2), which mandates that designated entities must compensate municipalities and Aboriginal communities for services related to the recovery and reclamation of specific materials.

The approval process is grounded in several critical sections of the Environment Quality Act. Section 53.31.1 establishes the obligation for parties involved in the distribution of designated materials to compensate relevant communities for recovery services. ÉEQ and RecycleMédias have been certified by RECYC-QUÉBEC to represent these obligated parties and have conducted consultations to develop the contribution schedule. The contributions are intended to cover costs associated with the collection, transport, sorting, and treatment of the specified materials. The law stipulates that certified bodies like ÉEQ and RecycleMédias must remit compensation amounts to RECYC-QUÉBEC, which are determined based on consultations with relevant stakeholders. Additionally, these bodies can collect contributions from their members to meet these obligations and to cover their administrative costs.

The contribution schedule for 2024 has been meticulously designed following a comprehensive consultation process with targeted stakeholders, ensuring transparency and engagement. The regulations require that if multiple certified bodies exist, they must collaborate to establish a unified schedule, a task that ÉEQ and RecycleMédias have successfully accomplished. The proposed schedule is subject to the Minister’s approval, who can endorse it with or without modifications. Following a favorable opinion from RECYC-QUÉBEC, the Minister approved the schedule without amendments, marking a significant step in modernizing Québec’s recycling and waste management systems.

The 2024 schedule outlines rules governing fees and contributions across three material classes: Containers and Packaging, which encompasses various materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal used for packaging products; Printed Matter, including items such as brochures, catalogs, and other printed materials; and Newspapers, specifically targeting contributions related to the publication and distribution of newspapers.

The overarching goal of the Order and the associated regulations is to foster a responsible recycling culture in Québec. The modernization efforts emphasize Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), placing the onus on producers to ensure their materials are managed sustainably throughout their lifecycle. This shift aims to encourage manufacturers to design products that minimize waste and maximize recyclability.

Quebec (MO 2024-1001) June 19, 2024