Liberal MNA Virginie Dufour calls for parliamentary commission on rising recycling costs
Credit Assemblée nationale du Québec
Liberal Member of the National Assembly Virginie Dufour is calling for a parliamentary commission to examine what she describes as a sharp increase in costs related to Quebec’s selective collection system.
In a press release issued February 12, 2026, Dufour, who serves as the Official Opposition’s environment critic, confirmed that she has submitted a request for an order of initiative to the Commission des transports et de l’environnement. The request seeks a formal review of the financial impacts associated with the province’s recycling system.
Concerns over producer costs
According to the press release, Dufour argues that the new system, managed and financed by Éco Entreprises Québec, has led to cost increases ranging from 76 percent to 350 percent for Quebec producers. The figures cited were obtained from the Conseil de la transformation alimentaire du Québec, which represents food processing companies.
Under the extended producer responsibility model currently in place, businesses that place products on the market are responsible for financing the selective collection system.
In the press release, Dufour questioned the disparity between recycling costs and other waste management methods. She cited projections of $955 per tonne for selective collection, compared with an average of $108 per tonne for landfill disposal and $120 per tonne for composting.
She also pointed to recent service changes, noting that recycling pickup will now occur every two weeks across Quebec, whereas some municipalities previously had weekly collection.
Industry representatives voice concerns
The Conseil de la transformation alimentaire du Québec stated in the press release that total system costs have increased from $285 million to $483 million over three years, exceeding initial estimates.
Annick Van Campenhout, vice-president of food progress and sustainable development at the council, said the situation raises questions about the system’s structure and called for regulatory adjustments to ensure more predictable and sustainable costs for Quebec businesses.
The Association Restauration Québec also expressed concern. In the same press release, Martin Vézina, the association’s vice-president of public and governmental affairs, said restaurant owners subject to the recycling tariff are facing mounting financial pressure in an already inflationary environment. He emphasized the need to better understand why fees remain unpredictable and continue to rise.
Request for broader hearings
Dufour’s request would allow the parliamentary committee to hear testimony from affected businesses, industry experts and other stakeholders. According to her statement, the goal would be to clarify the reasons behind the cost increases and identify potential solutions to reduce volatility while maintaining environmental objectives.
No date has yet been announced regarding whether the Commission des transports et de l’environnement will accept the request or hold hearings on the matter.
