Since January 1, 2025, new rules have been in place in Quebec for the collection of recyclable materials. These changes aim to improve sorting quality, reduce contaminated waste and encourage citizens to better understand what really goes in the recycling bin. Here’s an overview of the new practices.
In 2024, a study revealed that nearly 30% of materials deposited in blue bins could not be recycled due to contamination or sorting errors. The new regulations aim to remedy this problem by imposing stricter rules and raising public awareness.
It’s simple: containers, packaging and printed matter – that’s all you can put in your recycling bin.
Finding out what goes in the bin isn’t complicated. Just ask yourself: is it a container, packaging or printed matter? Here are a few tips on how to recognize them.
Whether flexible or rigid, containers are made from materials such as paper, cardboard, glass, plastic or metal. Wondering how to identify them? Here’s a simple tip: recyclable containers often come with a cap or lid.
Example of containers:
Like containers, packaging can be made of paper, cardboard, glass, plastic or metal. But how do you tell them apart? The main function of packaging is to make it easier to transport a product.
Common examples of packaging :
Printed products are papers and other fibers on which text, patterns or images are printed. They are ubiquitous in our daily lives, and are easily recognized by their use for writing, reading or correspondence.
Examples of printed matter:
Please note that the selective collection system is now administered by Eeco Entreprises Québec. To find out more about good sorting habits, visit binimpact.ca.
In doubt? Consult the Ça va où? mobile application.
To learn more about the selective collection management system, visit eeq.ca.
1. Empty and rinse containers
Before placing your containers, packaging and printed matter in the bin, empty and rinse them lightly. There’s no need to wash them thoroughly or put them through the dishwasher: a simple jet of water is all you need to avoid unpleasant odors and contamination.
2. Separate recyclables from the same package
To facilitate the work of sorting center equipment and employees, separate the different recyclable materials in a single package. For example, you can :
Exception: Small caps (less than 5 cm in circumference) must remain attached to their container to prevent them from getting lost in the sorting equipment.
3. Make balls of aluminum foil
Before recycling aluminum foil, remove food scraps, ball it up and place it in the bin.
4. Place recyclables separately in the bin
Each recyclable material must be placed individually in the bin, without bagging or mixing. This ensures optimal sorting at the sorting center.
1. Recycling soiled materials
Soiled materials, such as greasy or soaked paper, can contaminate other materials, produce unpleasant odors and generate mold, sometimes endangering the health of sorting center employees.
2. Nesting one material inside another
Do not place one recyclable material inside another, such as closed boxes or bags. At the sorting center, these unidentifiable materials cannot be properly sorted, and risk being sent to landfill. Place each material separately to optimize the process.
Elevators and other lifting devices play a crucial role in our daily lives, facilitating mobility in multi-storey buildings. The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) recently published important updates concerning these devices.
In this article, we explore these new regulations and their impact on users and building owners.
The RBQ has introduced new regulations aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of elevators and other lifting devices. These rules include increased requirements for regular inspections, preventive maintenance and modernization of older equipment.
The new regulations require elevators to be inspected at least once a year by certified technicians. This is to ensure that all equipment is in optimum working order, and to prevent breakdowns. Building owners are also required to keep detailed records of maintenance and repairs carried out. This register must be accessible to RBQ inspectors during their visits.
Preventive maintenance is now mandatory for all elevators and other lifting devices. The new rules require building owners to carry out regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns and ensure the proper functioning of the equipment. In addition, older equipment must be modernized to comply with current safety standards. This can include replacing obsolete parts, upgrading safety systems and integrating new technologies.
Technological advances play a key role in the evolution of lifting devices. Recent innovations include smarter control systems, cable-free elevators and energy-efficient solutions that reduce energy consumption while increasing reliability.
Cable-free elevators, for example, use magnetic levitation systems to move, eliminating the risks associated with cable breakage. These technologies also enable greater flexibility in building design, as elevators can move horizontally and vertically. In addition, intelligent control systems use advanced algorithms to optimize elevator routes, reducing waiting times for users. These systems can also predict maintenance requirements before a breakdown occurs, thus improving equipment reliability and safety.
Safety remains a top priority for the RBQ. The new regulations emphasize more frequent and rigorous inspections, as well as ongoing training for technicians. It is essential that building owners and managers understand the importance of these measures in preventing accidents and ensuring the proper operation of equipment.
Technicians must undergo regular training to keep abreast of the latest technologies and best practices in elevator maintenance. In addition, building owners must ensure that their equipment complies with the latest safety standards and is inspected regularly. The new regulations also include specific requirements for safety devices, such as emergency brakes and fault communication systems.
These new measures and technologies will have a significant impact on users. They will improve safety, reduce waiting times and offer a smoother, more comfortable experience. For building owners, it also means lower long-term maintenance costs and better compliance with safety standards.
Users will benefit from reduced waiting times thanks to intelligent control systems, which is particularly important in high-traffic buildings. In addition, energy-efficient technologies will help to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, which is a benefit for the environment.
For building owners, new regulations and technologies mean fewer breakdowns and costly repairs. Regular inspections and preventive maintenance will detect and resolve problems before they become serious, reducing costs in the long term. In addition, modernizing older equipment can extend the life of elevators and improve their overall performance.
In summary, the new regulations and technologies introduced by the RBQ represent a major step forward for the safety and efficiency of elevators and other lifting devices. It is crucial for all concerned to stay informed and follow best practices in maintenance and safety.
Users will benefit from reduced waiting times and a more comfortable experience, while building owners will see their maintenance costs fall. Ultimately, these measures will help make our buildings safer and more efficient for everyone.
Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you.
To find out more: Règlement concernant le chapitre IV, Ascenseurs et autres appareils élévateurs, du Code de sécurité
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