Sorting Center Upgrades in Quebec Mean More Recycling, More Jobs, and Improved Sustainability
The Saint-Étienne-des-Grès sorting center has undergone a major modernization, significantly increasing its capacity to handle recyclable materials. These upgrades, completed in spring 2024, are transforming the facility’s efficiency and sustainability, supported by both private investment and a significant contribution from RECYC-Québec.
A Boost for Recycling
The upgrades have expanded the center’s annual tonnage capacity from 25,000 to 37,500 tonnes, leading to a more sustainable living and greater recycling rates. This increased capacity has secured a new contract for the treatment of 34,700 tonnes of recyclables per year.
“The sorting process has been completely changed,” explains Daniel Cassivi, general director of the renovated facility. “We have added new optical sorting equipment, four of which are equipped with infrared cameras and artificial intelligence.”
This modernized approach is expected to reduce the presence of recyclable materials in waste and result in much higher quality relocated materials, ultimately packed into bales of separated materials like cardboard, plastic, and paper.
Striding Toward Sustainability
The contract with Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ), the organization responsible for managing Quebec’s selective collection system, is a testament to the success of this upgrade project. They see it as a critical step toward modernizing selective collection in Quebec.
A Focus on Sorting
The upgraded capacity has allowed for a shift in focus for the facility. They will now dedicated solely to processing recyclable materials, transferring collection services to a new partner, Matrec, a division of GFL Environnemental.
“For Mr. and Mrs., there will be no change, simply that the truck will not be lettered in the same way,” assures Audrey Leblanc, representing the partnership.
The company stresses no job losses are anticipated as a result of this shift. The 63 employees connected with sorting operations, 44 of whom have functional limitations will remain employed. In fact, the change is expected to further optimize working conditions within this crucial sector.
The May 2023 Expansion
Further bolstering these gains is a repayable $154,666 contribution to Groupe RCM for the project, courtesy of Canada Economic Development. This supports not only recycling but broader social economy goals in Moisie.
As group announced by Canadian Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada, the contribution forms part of a million-dollar package supporting social economy projects throughout Quebec.
“This new economic approach aims to deliver benefits to communities and protect the common good, by directly responding to the needs and aspirations of our communities,” states Minister Martinez Ferrada. “We encourage economic development and inclusive growth.”
What impact will the modernization of the Saint-Étienne-des-Grès sorting center have on the local community?
## Sorting Out the Future: An Interview with Daniel Cassivi
**(INT. STUDIO – DAY)**
**HOST:** Welcome back to the show! We are joined today by Daniel Casvivi, General Director of the recently modernized Saint-Étienne-des-Grès sorting center. Daniel, thanks for being here.
**DANIEL:** Happy to be here.
**HOST:** You’ve led the center through some major upgrades this year. Tell us, what prompted these changes?
**DANIEL:** Well, recycling is becoming increasingly important for our future. We needed to find ways to be more efficient, process more materials, and ultimately, contribute to a more sustainable Quebec.
**HOST:** And it looks like these upgrades are really living up to that goal. You’ve doubled your capacity thanks to new technology.
**DANIEL:** That’s right. We’ve implemented advanced optical sorting technology. Think of them as robotic eyes, equipped with infrared cameras and even artificial intelligence. It allows us to identify and separate different types of recyclables with incredible precision.
**HOST:** So, not only are you handling more materials, but you’re also ensuring higher quality recycled goods?
**DANIEL:** Absolutely. This new technology means we can significantly reduce contamination and produce bales of recyclables that are much cleaner and more valuable.
**HOST:** What impact will this have on the local community?
**DANIEL:** This modernization has already created new jobs, and we’re confident this will continue as we table additional contracts. Plus, knowing that our community’s waste is being effectively recycled, transforming it into valuable resources, is a win for everyone.
**HOST:** It sounds like these upgrades are a positive step forward for Quebec’s commitment to sustainability. Daniel Cassivi, thank you again for sharing your insights with us today.
**DANIEL:** My pleasure.
**(END SCENE)**
