Understanding the Performance of Quebec’s Selective Collection System
Quebec’s selective collection system is now one of the most advanced in Canada. Since 2025, it has operated under a modernized model based on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Businesses that place packaged products on the market are responsible for funding and managing the entire system.
This transformation has improved consistency, harmonized practices, and strengthened the management of recovered materials. It also brings new challenges for affected businesses, as the costs associated with implementing and financing the system can represent a significant issue for organizations that place products on the market.
As the system continues to evolve, several questions remain, and some of its mechanisms deserve a closer look.
Here are some of the key issues behind Quebec’s new selective collection system.
1. A Large-Scale System Managed by Producers
Since 2025, Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) has served as the organization responsible for managing Quebec’s selective collection system.
Its responsibilities include:
- Collection
- Transportation
- Sorting
- Marketing recovered materials
- Financing the system
2025 Highlights
- 2,800 producer members — the largest producer responsibility organization in Canada
- 609,000 tonnes of packaging and printed paper placed on the market
- $457 million funded by producers
- $27 million in government funding to support the transition
Municipalities may continue providing collection services if they choose, but under agreements with ÉEQ.
2. 791,000 Tonnes Recovered vs. 609,000 Tonnes Reported: Understanding the Difference
In 2025, approximately 791,000 tonnes of materials were recovered, exceeding the 609,000 tonnes reported by producers.
While this may seem surprising, the difference is explained by several factors.
Different Calculation Methods
Materials placed on the market
- Based on data reported by producers
Recovered materials
- Based on actual data collected by sorting centres
Inclusion of the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) Sector
Some recovered materials are not yet required to be reported by producers.
Timing Differences
Materials placed on the market in 2024 may only be recovered in 2025.
Incomplete Producer Coverage
Not all producers are currently registered or fully integrated into the system.
Understanding this distinction is essential when interpreting the system's overall performance.
3. Paper and Cardboard Still Dominate
The composition of recovered materials has a direct impact on recycling markets and optimization strategies.
Recovered materials consist of:
- 52% paper and cardboard
- 16% glass
- 15% plastic
- 4% metal
Although plastic often receives the most public attention, paper and cardboard continue to represent the largest share of recoverable materials.
4. Strong Performance… Despite Significant Losses
The system is producing encouraging results:
- 87% residential recovery rate
- 80% of recovered materials sent for recycling
- 63% recycled within Quebec
However:
- 13% contamination rate in recycling bins
- 19% of collected materials are rejected
Why Are Materials Rejected?
Of the 137,000 tonnes rejected:
- 42% consist of materials that are not accepted in the recycling program.
- 58% are recyclable materials that were improperly sorted or are difficult to process.
This highlights a key issue: the system's performance depends not only on how residents sort their recyclables but also on how packaging is designed.
5. Material Quality: A Key Driver of Performance
Improving the quality of recovered materials has become one of the system's highest priorities.
Three main strategies are being emphasized:
- Reducing contamination at the source through education, awareness campaigns, and proper sorting practices
- Improving sorting centre performance through technology and operational efficiency
- Promoting eco-design by encouraging packaging that is simpler, recyclable, and compatible with existing recycling infrastructure
Of these three strategies, eco-design is where businesses have the greatest ability to make a meaningful impact.
6. A Unique Quebec Approach: Integrating the ICI Sector
Unlike most other Canadian provinces, Quebec's system includes:
- Residential sources
- Institutions
- Commercial businesses
- Industries
- Both similar and non-similar Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) sectors
This broader scope creates:
- Greater operational complexity
- More challenging data analysis
- A much larger potential environmental impact
7. Toward a Harmonized Canadian Framework
To simplify compliance for businesses operating across multiple provinces, Canada is moving toward greater harmonization.
Key initiatives include:
- 62 standardized material categories
- A single annual reporting deadline (May 31 beginning in 2026)
- Common guidelines for recyclability and eco-design
This harmonization will make it easier to:
- Meet regulatory requirements
- Compare data across jurisdictions
- Support decision-making on a national scale
In Summary
Quebec's selective collection system is well structured and performing effectively, but it has now reached an important turning point.
Future improvements will come not only from better collection and sorting, but increasingly from smarter packaging design upstream.
That is where the next phase of transformation for the packaging and recycling industry will take place.
Reference: Annual Report 2025 – Éco Entreprises Québec : https://www.eeq.ca/assets/pdf/EEQ_Bilan_Annuel-2025_FR.pdf
