Portrait of Développement durable Rivière-du-Nord: a key reuse partner with GoReuse

Since its creation in 2023, GoReuse has surrounded itself with partners committed to recovering used household appliances and promoting a circular economy. One of the pioneers of this collaboration is Développement durable Rivière-du-Nord, a non-profit organization that has shown itself to be a key player in the ecological transition within its region.

Pierre Bruyère, General Manager of the organization, shares the impact of their partnership with GoReuse and how their ecocentre/reuse shop model is helping transform the habits of citizens.

Développement durable Rivière-du-Nord’s commitment: a local mission to serve the planet

Développement durable Rivière-du-Nord is far more than an ecocentre.

Since it was founded, the organization has been working hard to optimize the management of residual materials in a circular manner by applying the 4-R principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover).

The mission at Développement durable Rivière-du-Nord is clear: to prioritize reuse, reduce waste and actively contribute to the well-being of the community while adding to the region’s economic vitality.

GoReuse: a winning collaboration for the environment and all citizens

Since joining GoRecycle in 2021 and the GoReuse program in 2023, the results are clear for Développement durable Rivière-du-Nord. Pierre Bruyère says the program has not only increased consumer confidence in used appliances – it has also enabled the organization to showcase its commitment to the circular economy.

Reuse, circular economy and social impact

The GoReuse program plays an essential role in reducing waste and extending the lifespan of domestic cooling and air conditioning appliances. At Développement durable Rivière-du-Nord, the aim is to reduce the number of functioning appliances sent to landfills, while contributing to the circular economy of our region.

Pierre adds, “Too often, appliances in good condition are disposed of simply because they no longer suit someone’s living space. We test these appliances and, if they’re functional we give them a second life, often at an affordable price. Not everyone can afford a new refrigerator; for others, a second-hand appliance is perfectly sufficient.”

The social impact is also important. Through its reuse shop, Développement durable Rivière-du-Nord has allowed many people to buy quality appliances for less while supporting local initiatives. In 2022, the organization donated over $30,000 worth of goods to community organizations within the region, thus strengthening social ties and solidarity.

Efficient management of used appliances

The supply of used appliances comes mainly from public donations, but also from collection activities organized in partnership with the city of Saint-Jérôme.

Pierre explains, “We have implemented a curbside pickup program for used appliances. This program is growing, and we wish to extend it to other municipalities within the region.”

Local businesses also contribute to the supply by offering working appliances they no longer use, but that can still be of value to the community.

Guaranteeing quality: a philosophy of transparency and trust

At Développement durable Rivière-du-Nord, appliance quality is at the heart of our concerns. Each appliance is carefully tested before being put up for sale.

“We use a simple yet effective method; a 48-hour temperature and freezing test. If the appliance works properly, it can be sold.” Pierre adds that the goal is to further improve the capacity to repair these appliances and, as a result, extend their lifespan.

The crucial role of donors and beneficiaries

In order for reuse to work properly, people must donate their working appliances. This not only helps reduce waste; it also has a direct impact on the community, which can benefit from affordable appliances.

Pierre emphasizes, “The GoReuse program is not just about numbers. Above all, it is a collective approach used to support our environment and our fellow citizens.”

Long-term vision: expansion and a model to replicate

Over the next two to five years, Développement durable Rivière-du-Nord hopes to achieve several ambitious goals:

1. To collect all used cooling appliances in their territory either through citizen contributions or their own collection service.
2. To extend the GoReuse program to other products.
3. To develop the capacity to repair appliances in order to extend their lifespan and maximize their reuse.

Pierre concludes by stating, “We want to be a model to be replicated across the entire province. The goal is to make reuse the norm, not the exception.”

An inspiring anecdote

Pierre shares a wonderful anecdote that demonstrates the impact of their partnership with GoReuse: “One day, the Centre de la Famille de Saint-Jérôme reached out to us to see whether we had a used fridge available.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have one in our possession at the time.

A few days later, we learned that our friend Guylaine Labonté from the Centre had won a GoReuse fridge from the contest “Have your fridge at the right place” organized by GoRecycle.

This type of gesture shows the importance of our partnership, as well as our shared commitment.”

Conclusion

Développement durable Rivière-du-Nord thoroughly embodies the spirit of GoReuse: a model for reuse, circular economy and solidarity. Thanks to this precious collaboration, the organization not only reduces waste and supports the local economy, it also offers citizens access to sustainable products at reduced prices.

Through its innovative model, Développement durable Rivière-du-Nord shows it is indeed possible to reconcile economy, environment and social commitment. An example for all regions of Quebec to follow.

With partners like Développement durable Rivière-du-Nord, GoReuse continues to prove that every gesture counts and that the future of our planet depends on local initiatives that make a lasting difference.