Key Takeaways:
- Quebec has extended regulations similar to those for electronics and household appliances to cover agricultural plastics.
- The regulation mandates primary suppliers to fund a comprehensive system for collecting, recovering, and recycling agricultural plastics.
- An ecofee is applied to agricultural products like silage film, tarps, and food bags starting October 1.
- AgriRÉCUP is designated to manage the recovery and recycling program throughout Quebec.
- The new program aims to accelerate Quebec’s agricultural sector towards “zero waste in landfills.”
Quebec farmers are set to benefit from a new regulation to make the recycling or recovery of agricultural plastics more accessible and reliable. Similar to those covering electronics, paint, and household appliances, the regulation has been extended to include all agricultural sectors.
Comprehensive Recycling System
The regulation requires primary suppliers, such as manufacturers and distributors, to fund the development and implementation of a comprehensive system for collecting, recovering, and recycling agricultural plastics in Quebec. Effective October 1, an ecofee is applied to certain agricultural products like silage film, tarps, food bags, and other products used in agricultural production.
Role of AgriRÉCUP
AgriRÉCUP, a not-for-profit organization, has been designated to manage the recovery and recycling program throughout Quebec. Christine Lajeunesse, Eastern Director of AgriRÉCUP, stated, “Farmers are citizens who care about the environment because it goes hand in hand with the health of farmland and the desire to pass on their business from generation to generation.”
Towards Zero Waste
The new programs are expected to result in increased agricultural plastics being recovered for recycling or safe disposal. This aligns with the broader goal of moving Quebec’s agricultural sector towards “zero waste in landfills.”
Categories Covered
The program will cover various sub-categories of agricultural products, including plastics used for the preservation or wrapping of silage or hay, bags designed for agricultural use, containers, cans, barrels, and tanks intended for agricultural use, maple syrup tubing, and Class 1 to 3A pesticides and pesticide-coated seed.
Future Investments
As the program develops, it will result in investments in recycling technology and systems, contributing to a stronger circular economy in Quebec.
Image provided by AgriRÉCUP
1 Comment