Author: The Record
Published October 3, 2024

Photo by William Crooks
Ingrid Dubuc, Director of the Bureau of the Environment, Sherbrooke Mayor Évelyne Beaudin, and Marjolaine Bélanger, Head of the Eco-Centres Team, address the crowd during a press event marking the two-millionth visitor milestone at Sherbrooke’s eco-centres.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In a significant milestone for the City of Sherbrooke, its eco-centres are set to welcome their two-millionth visitor in the coming days, a testament to the community’s commitment to sustainable waste management. The eco-centres have played a pivotal role in the city’s efforts to reduce landfill waste, with over 220,000 tonnes of residual materials diverted since the opening of the first facility in 2003.

Speaking at a press event held on Oct. 3 at the Michel-Ledoux Eco-Centre, Mayor Évelyne Beaudin praised the eco-centres for their contribution to environmental stewardship and their growing popularity among residents. “This figure reflects our collective commitment to responsible waste management and environmental protection,” Beaudin remarked, emphasizing how the eco-centres have become essential facilities in Sherbrooke.

The city operates two eco-centres, Michel-Ledoux in the Fleurimont borough, which opened in 2003, and Rose-Cohen in the Nations borough, opened in 2006. Both are open year-round and free of charge for Sherbrooke residents, offering a range of services aimed at reducing waste and promoting recycling.

Eco-Centres’ role in waste management

Ingrid Dubuc, Director of the Bureau of the Environment, provided additional insights during the event, highlighting the efficiency of Sherbrooke’s eco-centres in waste diversion. She noted that only 5 per cent of the materials brought to the centres are sent to landfills, a significant achievement in waste management. “This success is a reflection of our citizens making the right choices in advance and bringing the correct materials to our eco-centres,” Dubuc said. She also mentioned that the eco-centres have managed to valorize over 220,000 tonnes of residual materials since their inception, including 17,000 tonnes in 2023 alone.

Dubuc also emphasized the evolution of the materials accepted at the eco-centres, noting the addition of items such as polystyrene and mattresses in recent years. These innovations have allowed the city to address new environmental challenges and continue improving its waste management practices. “The inclusion of new materials has allowed us to meet the changing needs of society and comply with new regulations,” she explained.

Dubuc also shared the importance of the eco-centres in helping residents feel their actions contribute to environmental protection. “Eco-centres provide Sherbrooke residents with a concrete way to participate in protecting the environment. I believe this milestone reflects Sherbrooke’s strong community spirit and its dedication to a sustainable future.”

Challenges and expansion plans

The rapid growth in demand for eco-centre services has not come without its challenges. Marjolaine Bélanger, head of the eco-centres team, spoke about the logistical issues faced by the centres as their usage has increased dramatically. “We have seen our annual visits grow from around 11,000 in 2004 to 160,000 today, with the same basic facilities,” Bélanger noted, praising the dedication and creativity of her team in managing the growing volume of materials.

Bélanger also mentioned how the eco-centres staff has adapted to changing conditions by reorganizing spaces to accommodate new types of recyclable materials. “Whenever we face new challenges, whether it’s adding a new material or rearranging our facilities, our team is always ready to find solutions,” she said.

She also discussed some of the risks associated with running the eco-centres, particularly in handling hazardous materials brought in by residents. Bélanger shared an anecdote about a potentially explosive propane tank found at the eco-centre, which had to be inspected by military specialists from the Valcartier base. “We’ve had all sorts of dangerous items, including nuclear material and chemical products, brought in,” she said. “People often don’t realize the potential risks, and that’s where our team steps in to ensure safety.”

The city has ambitious plans to expand its eco-centre services to accommodate the growing demand. Dubuc mentioned that Sherbrooke has applied for federal funding to expand the Rose-Cohen Eco-Centre, a project estimated at $8 million. The expansion would not only increase the centre’s capacity but also introduce new initiatives focused on reuse. “We want to encourage the reuse of materials, like giving old doors or other items a second life,” Dubuc explained. The project is pending federal approval, and the city is hopeful for a positive response soon.

Additionally, investments are planned for the Michel-Ledoux Eco-Centre, but those are expected to take place at a later date, once the Rose-Cohen project is underway.

Addressing peak usage and staffing

Another significant challenge has been managing the high volume of visitors during peak times. Dubuc and Bélanger both urged residents to optimize their visits by avoiding the busiest days—Fridays, Mondays, and Saturdays—whenever possible. The city is exploring ways to extend the opening hours to manage demand, but additional funding would be required. This will be considered as part of Sherbrooke’s 2025 budget discussions.

Bélanger also highlighted the staffing situation, noting that while the eco-centres typically have 15 employees year-round, this number increases to 25 during the summer months to handle the surge in visits.

Future environmental goals

Looking ahead, Sherbrooke’s eco-centres are poised to play an even greater role in the city’s waste management strategy. Dubuc discussed upcoming regulatory changes at the provincial and federal levels, particularly regarding single-use plastics. “We’re currently monitoring discussions on new regulations, including those related to single-use plastics,” Dubuc said, adding that Sherbrooke will likely have to adapt its waste management plans in response to these changes.

Sherbrooke’s eco-centres have been recognized as a model for other municipalities in Quebec, and with plans for expansion and adaptation to new environmental standards, the city aims to remain at the forefront of sustainable waste management. As the City of Sherbrooke awaits its two-millionth eco-centre visitor, this milestone serves as a reminder of the power of community action in protecting the environment.

New drop off for glass in Lennoxville

In related news, Sherbrooke has added a new voluntary glass drop-off point on College Street, in front of Clarke et Fils, as part of the ongoing Virage Verre pilot project. According to its website, this initiative allows residents to drop off glass containers separately from other recyclables. The collected glass will be processed and repurposed, contributing to the city’s sustainability efforts. Residents are reminded to rinse their containers and remove lids before depositing them. The drop-off point is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering a convenient location for Lennoxville residents to participate in the program.

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