As of January 1, 2025

Recycling is undergoing a revolution with the modernized system of selective collection of recyclable materials (blue bin). All containers, packaging and printed matter, whether paper, cardboard, metal, glass or plastic, can be placed in the blue bin without hesitation. 

Yes, that includes plastic packaging with no number or with number 6.

A new feature 

 Plastic packaging without a number or bearing the number 6 will also find its place, as will styrofoam food containers. 

This major change has been made possible by the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. This means that the companies that market these products (containers, packaging and printed matter) are responsible for collecting and recycling them. These companies are represented by Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ). The new system in place from 1 January 2025 aims to encourage more sustainable practices, improve the efficiency of the recycling system and ultimately promote the circular economy in Quebec.

Aerosol cans and polystyrene protective packaging must be taken to a municipal drop-off site. 

The list of drop-off locations will be published here as soon as available.

ÉEQ has launched the Bac Impact initiative to help citizens sort their waste. 

Find all the details at: https://binimpact.ca/

Since 1 January 2025, residents can contact their municipality* directly to: 

• Get their blue wheeled bin repaired (lid, wheel, axle) or replaced if necessary; 
• Obtain a 360-litre wheeled bin if your home does not have one; 
• Obtain a second 360-litre wheeled bin or to replace your 240-litre wheeled bin with a 360-litre wheeled bin, depending on the reason for the request** (e.g. large family, commercial activities, etc.); 
• Any questions about the door-to-door collection service.

 * Only citizens, institutions, businesses and industries served by municipal collection are concerned by these services. Please note that all bins provided are and remain the property of Éco Entreprises Québec. ** Each request will be evaluated.

Change of responsibility

In 2025, the local municipalities will remain the organisations responsible for collection; the frequency of collection will remain the same as in 2024. Municipal organisations will continue to be essential partners in the modernised system, managing local services such as the collection of recyclable materials, the repair and distribution of wheeled bins and raising awareness among the various publics. The municipality will compile a register of requests, which will be forwarded to the MRC. In 2025, the MRC will manage the distribution and repair of wheeled bins directly with ÉEQ. 

In 2026, the Haut-Saint-Laurent MRC will manage the collection service, which will then be carried out every fortnight by wheeled bin (only) in accordance with the modernised selective collection system in Quebec.

What about the deposit-refund system?

From March1, deposit-refund will be extended to all plastic beverage containers from 100 ml to 2 litres. In addition to the beer and soft drink bottles already returnable, citizens will be able to return their plastic bottles! Returnable containers must be brought to the return site.

In 2027, the deposit-refund will extend to ALL glass ready-to-drink beverage containers from 100 ml to 2 l, including bottles of wine, cider, spirits and other beverages, and to ALL multi-layer carton ready-to-drink beverage containers from 100 ml to 2 l.

Participation in the deposit system contributes to waste reduction, reuse and recycling. 

See the interactive map for return locations near you.