Ecofees: everything you need to know

Ecofees are the management costs applied to the sale of a product in order to finance the recovery and reclamation activities listed in the Quebec Regulation respecting the recovery and reclamation of products by enterprises.

An ecofee is not a tax–it’s a management fee included in the retail price.

Ecofees on refrigeration appliances: in effect since 2022

Since 2022, an ecofee has been included in the total price during the sale of refrigeration and air conditioning appliances.
As of September 1, 2024, retailers can decide whether they want to display the ecofee amount, in accordance with the government regulation.

 

What are ecofees used for?

Every dollar helps finance the various links in the appliance recovery and reclamation chain, including collection, transportation and recycling operations.

300 public drop-off points for your appliances

Transporting appliances, often heavy and bulky

Treating harmful
materials including
refrigerant gases

Manage
recyclers

Public awareness and information

Why ecofees are essential

Refrigeration and air conditioning appliances contain gases and foams that are harmful to the environment. That’s why it’s important to handle them properly when they reach the end of their life. The recovery of refrigeration and air conditioning appliances has a major impact on the fight against climate change and on waste reduction. It’s a significant gesture for the environment!

Ecofees amount by appliance

Refrigerators or freezers of 2.5 in3 and more
$40
Wine cellars or coolers
$40
Water dispensers
$22
Portable or window air conditioners
$22
Dehumidifiers
$22

Frequently asked questions

Are any other products subject to ecofees?

Yes, ecofees are charged on many other products such as batteries, paint and oil, to name a few. The ecofee amount is based on several considerations including product size, the requirements of the Quebec Regulation respecting the recovery and reclamation of products by enterprises and the actual cost of recycling the materials contained within the product.

Why are ecofees visible among some retailers and not others?

GoRecycle made an agreement with the government and its members to allow retailers to display ecofee amounts. This was done in an effort to be transparent with customers, as is the case for other products subject to ecofees. As of September 1, 2024, retailers can now decide whether or not to display the ecofee amount, in accordance with the regulations established by the government.

What does GoRecycle do with the money?

Every dollar collected through ecofees helps finance the various links in the appliance recovery and reclamation chain, including:

  • The management of more than 500 collection points across Quebec, in collaboration with partners, including 300 drop-off points where citizens can dispose of their appliances themselves;
  • GoRecycle is responsible for managing and overseeing the recovery process. This non-profit organization works together with recycling companies responsible for removing the gases and recovering the various materials (including plastics, oils, glass and metals) found inside appliances;
  • The transportation of appliances–whose size and weight present a real challenge–across the territory of Quebec;
  • Informing and raising public awareness about the recovery of end-of-life refrigeration and air conditioning appliances;
  • All costs incurred by the administrative and operational obligations required by the Regulation.

Where are appliances brought for recycling and recovery?

Once collected, refrigeration appliances are transported to one of our authorized recyclers in Quebec, who recover over 95% of materials contained within.

Who decides ecofee amounts, GoRecycle or the government?

Organizations that manage collection and recycling programs for products covered by provincial regulations are responsible for determining ecofee amounts. Among other factors, the amount is set based on government requirements, the actual cost of recycling materials contained within the appliance and the cost of managing these programs.

Is GoRecycle a government organization?

No, GoRecycle is a non-profit organization independent of government. That said, the organization is recognized by RECYC-QUÉBEC to ensure the responsible handling of household appliances and air conditioners in Quebec.