Mandatory recycling audit set to begin
The Government of Quebec, which taxes companies and institutions that produce recyclable material, has initiated a mandatory audit of Concordia’s bulk printed output from 2005 to 2012 under its Eco-Entreprises program.
To comply with the Environment Quality Act (EQA), Concordia will begin its review of bulk printed output this month. Only items printed in large quantities and intended for external use are included, such as promotional materials and information guides. Other items included are guides such as maps, publications such as marketing material, administrative documents such as cheques and envelopes sent to employees, general-use paper, and packaging.
The audit, known as Eco-Entreprise’s Municipal Recycling Data Collection, is being run by the Sustainability unit of the Department of Environmental Health, Safety and Security. It is expected to be completed by the end of December.
“All academic establishments are included in the government’s net so we have to comply,” said Rick Young, senior director, environmental health, safety and security. “We’re going to try and make it as straightforward and as quick as possible.”
The review process will rely on Faculty and departmental printing budgets and invoices for a portion of the project but it may be necessary to obtain samples of printed items. Sustainability representatives will contact all Faculties and departments shortly to begin the process.
“We’ll reach out to individuals who can give us permission to access the information we require, as well as to people designated by their Faculties and departments to provide us with the information,” Young said.
It will take a lot of teamwork and cooperation to make this project a success.
“We’re counting on our community to be responsive and helpful to the Sustainability representatives when they contact Faculty and staff to initiate this legally required exercise,” said Roger Côté, Vice-President, Services.
Companies and institutions, including universities, are required under the Environment Quality Act (EQA) to contribute an increasing share of the net costs of municipal curbside recycling services. Eco-Entreprises is a private non-profit organization responsible for financing municipal services for the collection, sorting and conditioning of containers, packaging, and printed matter in Quebec.
Related links:
• Environmental Health, Safety and Security
• Eco-Entreprises Quebec