The BAPE recommends coercive measures against the accumulation of waste
Based on the observation that the accumulation of waste does not reduce, but increases compared to the objectives set in Quebec, the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE) recommends reversing the trend with the application of legal and fiscal coercive measures, as well as by promoting the circular economy.
“The results of the last few years are disappointing. In 2019, the quantity of residual materials disposed of per capita reached 724 kg, i.e. approximately 3% more than the target set for 2015 and 38% more than the target of 525 kg set for 2023 in the 2019 Action Plan -2024”, specifies the BAPE report. According to projections, the objective would not really be achieved until 2031, optimistically, and 2041 realistically.
The circular economy as a new model
Rethinking production and consumption patterns is one of the recommendations put forward by Commissioners Pierre Renaud and Joseph Zayed, who chaired the commission of inquiry as part of their investigation into The inventory and management of ultimate residues. The reduction of waste at source, reuse and the fight against planned obsolescence is to be exploited. Quebec also legislates to assert the right to repair property.
The two commissioners do not hesitate to have legal coercive measures put in place. “Measures such as banning the marketing or banning the disposal of certain products must be considered seriously,” explains Mr. Zayed. In other words, the products on the territory should respect a minimum capacity for recycling or a maximum capacity for ultimate residue, which would have the effect of reducing the quantity of products having to be eliminated.
In addition to legal choices, eco-taxation should be used for certain products such as so-called “single-use” products, explain the two commissioners.
If we want to reverse the trend, coercive measures will be needed.
Pierre Renaud, commissioner
“The BAPE is instead proposing regulatory actions to the provincial government that have a potential for much more significant results than the action of Mr. Mrs. Everybody. For example, eco-fees on single-use products, better access to the repair of objects or the ban on marketing certain products and packaging are all excellent ways to improve our balance sheet, ”reacted the analyst. reduced at source at Équiterre, Amélie Côté.
Waste disposal will not be solved by technology. We must target what has been neglected, such as reduction at source and reuse. For 23 years, we have seen a notable evolution, but we must put the accelerator.
Joseph Zayed, president of the commission of inquiry
A place of choice for RECYC-QUÉBEC
The BAPE indicates in its report that the government should expand the powers of the state-owned company RECYC-QUÉBEC. “To fully assume its pivotal and benchmark role and to enable it to meet the new challenges that await it, it would gain considerably from reviewing its vision by placing reduction, reuse and the circular economy at the heart of its objectives. and by developing centers of excellence that are of strategic importance.”
Assigned by the Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, Benoit Charette, the BAPE held an investigation and a public hearing on The inventory and the management of ultimate tailings which began on January 28, 2021. After more than a year of public and Aboriginal consultation, the BAPE published its report.
