2023-11-02 01:11:21
It was a holiday on Wednesday for several valorists, these people who collect large quantities of drink containers to collect the deposit money. Following the expansion and improvement of this system, Solidarity Cooperation Les Valoristesthe largest community drop-off center in the province, fears, however, that it will have to suspend its services due to lack of resources.
A sweet and alcoholic smell floats in the premises located at the corner of Boulevard Maisonneuve and Rue Saint-Hubert, in Montreal. A little dachshund dog runs following a tennis ball, between the legs of the many valorists who crowd around with their garbage bags full of cans.
“It’s a beautiful day today,” exclaims Sergio, wearing a bicycle helmet, following dumping part of his loot into a sorting bin.
Like most of the valuers met by The duty, the latter did not wish to give his full name, for fear that this activity would be poorly perceived. Through the shrill noise of clinking aluminum containers, the retiree explains that he started collecting returnable containers to make ends meet. These days, he does it mostly to fill his days.
Patiently accumulated for two weeks, the first half of his kitty brought him more than $170 for more or less 1,500 containers. That’s regarding double what he might have gotten the day before. A first step in the deposit reform, in force since 1is November, now includes all aluminum beverage containers over 100 ml to 2 liters. Among the newly admitted brands, we find Bubbly and Montellier sparkling waters, V8 vegetable juices and several ciders.
The price obtained by consumers for their return of small cans has been increased to 10 cents rather than 5 cents. The fee for large cans of beer will drop from 20 cents to 10 cents from November 15. All of this makes a big difference for many of those who attend Les Valoristes.
“With retirement pensions, we can’t even pay all our expenses. Everything is increasing, so we have no choice. It helps pay the bills,” says René, met with his hand-made cart, which he drags by bike.
An “essential” service
Just like convenience stores and grocery stores do, the Les Valoristes coop collects returnable containers and gives the corresponding amount to their customers. The Quebec Association for the Recovery of Beverage Containers (AQRCB), which brings together producers and importers in this sector of activity, then reimburses everything. Unlike most retailers, the cooperative has adapted infrastructures for people who return large quantities of containers. It also accepts crushed cans, which take up less space to store or transport.
“This kind of place is essential for citizens,” explains François, who says he cannot hold a job due to health problems. We are often not welcome in grocery stores when we arrive with large quantities or certain social problems. This kind of place, where we are welcomed with a smile, allows us to contribute to society, to the environment, to make a little money to eat or pay for certain things. »
However, the coordinator, Marica Vazquez Tagliero, fears for the future of the cooperative. This is because the organization lives mainly from non-recurring subsidies which are considered insufficient. Faced with the increase in workload which will likely result from the extension of the instructions, additional employees would be necessary. But their budget doesn’t allow it. On the contrary, “we are cutting salaries and opening hours,” says M.me Vazquez Tagliero.
“I can no longer chase subsidies here and there,” she says with a rueful air.
Lack of recognition
Unlike consumers, the cooperative does not benefit from increases in deposit reimbursement. “We don’t make more money and, what’s more, we advance money to customers,” she recalls. The organization therefore plans to cut one opening day out of four following November 15.
However, the solution would be simple, believes Mme Vazquez Tagliero. She asks the AQRCB to grant them a fee of two cents per container, similar to what merchants receive for their deposit services.
“We’ve asked them lots of times and it’s always no. We are told that we must be a grocery store or a convenience store to get a bonus,” laments the co-founder of the coop. “Last year, with our 4 million containers, the industry saved $80,000 in premiums with us,” she adds.
They collect waste in public trash cans, on the ground, around festivals. All this would be buried without their participation.
Mme Vazquez Tagliero recalls the environmental role played by valorists. “They collect waste in public bins, on the ground, around festivals. All this would be buried without their participation. »
Questioned by The duty, the AQRCB indicated that it would look in the coming months at how to continue collaboration with social economy enterprises, whose work “is appreciated”. She also reminded that she offers valorists a collection service and recovery equipment free of charge.
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