PROs in Quebec: a guide to understanding the concept
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Did you know that in Quebec, extended producer responsibility (ERP) (link in French only) requires companies marketing products to be responsible for the end-of-life management of these products? This applies to household refrigeration appliances that fall within GoRecycle’s mission, such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, wine cellars, dehumidifiers and water dispensers.
To properly understand GoRecycle’s role in the chain of responsible refrigeration appliance and air conditioner recycling, it’s important to understand what a producer responsibility organization (PRO) is in Quebec, as well as its role. We’ll cover that and more in this article.
What is a PRO?
According to RECYC-QUÉBEC, (French only) a producer responsibility organization (PRO) is “an entity recognized by competent authorities to set up a recovery and reclamation program for a specific product.”
Accordingly, Quebec producers must either implement their own recovery programs or associate themselves with a producer responsibility organization (PRO) to oversee these initiatives and ensure compliance with the extended producer responsibility (EPR).
The aim of EPR is to encourage greater accountability among producers when it comes to the management of end-of-life products, and to strengthen their commitment to sustainability.
We invite you to read one of our posts, which features a list of all PROs recognized by RECYC‑QUÉBEC.
Is GoRecycle a PRO?
Yes. GoRecycle has been identified by RECYC-QUÉBEC as a producer responsibility organization (PRO) for the treatment of household appliances and air conditioners (link in French only). GoRecycle is therefore the only producer responsibility organization (PRO) that is recognized by RECYC-QUÉBEC to ensure the responsible recycling of household refrigerators and air conditioners in the province.
What is GoRecycle’s role as a PRO?
As a producer responsibility organization (PRO), GoRecycle ensures the responsible recycling of refrigerators, freezers, wine coolers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and water coolers in Quebec through its recycling partners.
What is GoRecycle’s impact on responsible refrigeration appliance recycling?
Environmental impact
By entrusting GoRecycle with your refrigeration appliance (refrigerator, freezer, wine cellar, dehumidifier, air conditioner or water dispenser), you help recover over 95% of the materials it is made up of. Treated pollutants–such as refrigerant gases–prevent the release of an average of one tonne of greenhouse gases (GHGs) (link in French only) per appliance into the environment.
Social and local impact
Several of GoRecycle’s recycling partners, including Défi Polyteck, Groupe Aptas, Groupe Coderr, Option Métal Recyclé and Recyclo-Centre, are social economy enterprises. They are dedicated to the social and professional integration of the most vulnerable groups of workers, while having a local impact on their communities.
By entrusting your refrigeration appliance recycling to GoRecycle at one of its 300 drop-off locations across Quebec or through the home collection service with purchase offered by some retailers, you can help make a positive impact on the environment and on society.
Summary diagram
Now that you better understand what a PRO is in Quebec, as well as its role, here’s a diagram to help you grasp the different concepts covered in this article.
You’ll now be better informed on the role of a PRO and of GoRecycle in the equation.
Have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to discuss with you and answer your questions in a blog post.
About GoRecycle
GoRecycle is the only organization recognized by RECYC-QUÉBEC that ensures the responsible recycling of cooling appliances in Quebec. We recycle refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, wine coolers, dehumidifiers and water coolers through over 300 drop-off points in Quebec, and over 100 banner pickup partners with the purchase of a new fridge. GoRecycle is a non-profit organization (NPO).
