Environmental measures in Quebec: The current situation

From the single-use plastics ban to the recovery of organic waste and the deposit system, environmental measures play a major role in the restaurant industry today. Keeping track of the different measures is no easy task, which is why the ARQ is taking stock of the situation.

In an effort to reduce environmentally harmful plastic waste, the federal government passed regulations last June to eliminate the use and sale of six categories of single-use plastics. The first phase of these regulations began last December, with the banning of the manufacture of checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made entirely or in part of problematic plastics that are difficult to recycle, beverage ring carriers, stir sticks and straws in Canada. However, the restaurant industry will be officially affected when the second phase comes into effect in December 2023 and operators are no longer allowed to offer their customers these products. In a proactive response last September to the federal government’s action, the City of Montreal banned the use of all types of plastic checkout bags in stores and restaurants, including those offering only take-out or delivery meals.

As of March 28, 2023, the city will add eight more single-use plastic items to this by-law, including compostable plastics, prohibiting cups and lids, straws, stir sticks, cutlery, and polystyrene (#6). For take-away orders and deliveries, utensils may only be provided if requested by the customer.

EXPANDED DEPOSIT-REFUND SYSTEM

Under a new regulation, initially planned for May, 2023, but now to be introduced in November, cans will no longer be the only containers that are refundable. The deposit system will be expanded to include all beverage containers between 100 ml and 2 L, including wine bottles. The ARQ has also learned that under the regulation, the Association québécoise de récupération des contenants de boissons (AQRCB), will manage the collection system, and will also be responsible for providing a collection service directly to on-site consumption establishments.

There will be an adaptation period for operators and the managing organization so that the collection system can be acquired, installed, and operationalized.

Organic Waste Recovery

In 2020, the Government of Quebec adopted the Stratégie de valorisation des matières organiques (organic waste recovery strategy), which aims to implement organic waste management in all Quebec municipalities by 2025, and to implement organic waste management in all industrial, commercial, and institutional enterprises (ICIs). To achieve this, a transitional period was implemented beginning in 2022 and which will run until 2024. However, a new regulation which will require ICIs to have a private or municipal collection service to manage their organic waste will not be drawn up until 2024. This regulation is expected to come into effect in 2025.

The ARQ will continue its advocacy work with political decision makers and closely monitor these projects in order to reduce any negative impacts on Quebec restaurant owners.