In this article, we will demystify the concept of circular economy, its fundamental impacts on the economy and how GoRecycle is contributing in a real way to this paradigm shift.

What is a circular economy?

Although Antoine Lavoisier spoke these words in a chemistry context (link in French only) to refer to the conservation of mass when matter undergoes physical and chemical changes, the quote also applies to the notion of circular economy.

Circular economy defined

According to the Pôle québécois de concertation sur l’économie circulaire (Quebec Centre for consultation on the circular economy) (link in French only), it’s “a new economic model that aims to decouple economic growth from the depletion of natural resources and environmental impacts through 2 main mechanisms:

• Rethinking our production-consumption methods to consume fewer resources and protect the ecosystems that generate them.
• Optimizing the use of resources already circulating within our societies.”

This concept is therefore the opposite of a linear economy, which follows the “take-make-waste” model.

For better understanding, watch this excellent video cited by Québec Circulaire, an essential reference source on the subject here in Quebec:

Fundamental pillars of a circular economy

The key principles of a circular economy can be summed up by the 5R principle in Europe:

• Refuse
• Reduce
• Reuse
• Recycle
• Return to the earth

In Quebec, 12 circularity strategies (link in French only) have been adopted to address several stages in a product’s life cycle. It’s important to note that companies have an essential role to play in a product’s design, production and end-of-life management. In this way, a circular economy can be applied to all stages, from eco-design to responsible sourcing and so forth.

Impacts of a circular economy in Quebec

The impacts of a circular economy in Quebec can be seen on various levels:

• Environmental:

• reduction of environmental degradation
• reduction of resource extraction
• reduction of greenhouse gases

• Social:

• reduction of social inequalities
• creation of jobs on a local level

• Economic:

• price stability when material remains in the region
• increase in GDP
• improved security of supply

In Quebec in 2021, only 3.5% of products are reintegrated into the economy (in French only) this is called the circularity rate. This statistic leaves plenty of room for improvement, and we must rethink the way we design, produce, consume and dispose of the goods in our economy.

Main challenges of a circular economy

Implementing the principles of a circular economy requires a paradigm shift in the way we operate within our economy. We must rethink the way we do things, which is no small task.

Below are a few of the challenges and obstacles to implementing a circular economy:

• The quality of recycled materials and the demand for them
• Research and development costs
• The awareness-raising efforts and training required of stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition
• Support programs, tax incentives and legislation

How GoRecycle contributes to a circular economy

As an eco-organization, GoRecycle participates in several circularity strategies by implementing the 3 following solutions:

• Repair: promoting the directory of certified appliance repairers in Quebec
• Recycle: through the implementation of 300 drop-off points and the home collection service with purchase from 100 different retailers
• Reuse: through the GoReuse program

GoRecycle collects refrigeration appliances from the 300 drop-off points accessible to the public to recycle them responsibly in partnership with its recyclers.

By recovering over 95% of materials inside these appliances, GoRecycle and its recycling partners are major players in Quebec’s circular economy.

In fact, the Réseau interrégional de valorisation et de recyclage des appareils ménagers (RIVRA), which brings together Défi Polyteck, Option Métal Recyclé, Groupe Coderr, Recyclo-Centre and Groupe Aptas, recycles air conditioning appliances and contributes to a social economy by employing groups of vulnerable people, allowing them to integrate into the job market within their respective communities.

To better understand the contribution that each recycler makes in its community, read our article on the subject.

In an effort to give a second life to appliances in good working condition while reducing waste, GoRecycle has implemented the GoReuse program, a network of partners offering concrete and regulated solutions for individuals who wish to acquire used refrigeration and air conditioning appliances.

These partners have committed to:

• Check the working order of appliances
• Ensure the appliance has not been recalled
• Be qualified to carry out repairs, if they do so
• Offer the warranties applicable to reused products.

To find a used appliance from our GoReuse network, click here.

Impacts of a circular economy among GoRecycle partners

Here are a few key figures demonstrating the impact of a circular economy among GoRecycle partners taken from the 2022 Annual Report (French only):

• 100% of appliances collected by GoRecycle are processed by Quebec recyclers, all of whom have a social and local mission
• 89% of the materials collected are recycled, recovered or disposed of in Quebec

Several initiatives are also in place to inform, raise awareness and educate the public and the industry about collection best practices, in addition to promoting the 4R’s principle (reduce at the source, reuse, recycle and recover).

Want to contribute to a circular economy?

Is your refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner, dehumidifier, wine cellar or water cooler at the end of its life, or do you need to replace them?

Instead of leaving your appliance by the curb, here are your options to contribute to a circular economy:

• Repair your old appliance
• Give away your old refrigeration appliance
• Buy a used appliance
• Recycle your appliance:

• by bringing it to a GoRecycle drop-off point
• via your municipal home removal service (if offered)
• via the removal and recycling service with purchase at participating retailers

In Conclusion

By making these efforts and raising awareness among your entourage, you become an agent for change in the transition toward a circular economy in Quebec. Every gesture counts!