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Trash to Treasure: Quebec City’s Crown as Recycling Capital

Billy Park & Grace Enjia Xu
30 Oct 2023

In our modern world, due to the influence of industrialization, global warming has undeniably become a major crisis for mankind and a topic of utmost priority for many cities. Concepts such as “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” are common sayings for individuals to play their part in environmental stewardship, and most cities complement that by providing incentives and initiating small-scale change. However, one city in particular is paving the way for creative solutions to climate change and is redefining how we think of recycling.

Quebec City, a beautiful city in Canada with a rich history is known for its old-world architecture, beautiful natural surroundings, and now, groundbreaking sustainable recycling policies. Quebec City recently received well-deserved attention after its unorthodox and sweeping environmental changes, recycling up to 60% of its packaging material (such as soft plastics and cardboard) and implementing recycling practices throughout the city. Since 2005, companies in the Quebecois market have been financially responsible for recycling their product packaging, and the government has incentivized those who keep sustainability and waste a priority. Companies have also adopted environmentally friendly packaging materials that are designed to be practical, reusable, and made from recycled materials to reduce their environmental impact. For example, Metro, a Canadian food and pharmaceutical retailer replaced the original PVC material used for packaging with eco-friendly PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sustainable material. 

So, what makes Quebec so special? Many cities around the world prioritize money over sustainability, leading to little tangible progress. However, Quebec City has a clear mission of reducing plastic waste, regardless of whether it will be profitable or not. To the policymakers in the City, the best type of profit is a healthier planet, making LaVieille Capitale a pioneer in humanity’s progress to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

Want to learn more? See these additional resources:

• https://www.eeq.ca/en/who-is-eeq/for-consumers/recovery-and-recycling/
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-city-100-per-cent-glass-recycled-1.5251383
• https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/first-phase-of-quebecs-revised-drink-container-deposit-program-begins-nov-1