


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.
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