Summary#
Montréal city council adopted a position approving a draft fifth amendment to the partnership agreement between the City and Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ). The amendment would have the City arrange treatment of recovered glass and empty aerosol containers during 2026, with ÉEQ reimbursing the costs. The stated goal is to avoid a break in service; the agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- The City would handle treatment of aerosols collected at seven ecocentres through December 31, 2026.
- The City would arrange conditioning of glass collected at two drop-off points in Ahuntsic-Cartierville through the same date.
- ÉEQ would reimburse 100% of the actual costs for both services, quarterly after receiving invoices.
- The amendment is described as retroactive to January 1, 2026.
What it means for you#
- People using ecocentres or the glass drop-off points: The decision is intended to keep treatment services operating during 2026. It does not change who may use these services.
- City administration: The City would extend the aerosol-treatment contract and arrange a 2026 glass-conditioning contract, then seek reimbursement from ÉEQ.
- Residents generally: The decision does not directly change collection rules, fees, or what materials residents may recycle.
Money#
No dollar estimate is provided; the City is to be reimbursed for 100% of the actual treatment costs.
- The City would pay for the services and request quarterly reimbursement from ÉEQ after submitting invoices. This means the City would initially carry the costs.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not give the expected or final contract costs.
- They do not provide the terms or award method for the glass contract, or details of the extended aerosol contract.
- The resolution approves an orientation on the draft amendment; the materials do not confirm that the amendment has been signed.
Case for#
- City staff say ÉEQ cannot take over treatment of these materials in the short term. Having the City continue the work could help avoid a service interruption.
- The agreement provides for full reimbursement, so the City’s intended role is temporary rather than a permanent transfer of these costs to the municipal budget.
Case against#
- The City must arrange and pay for the services first, then seek reimbursement. This creates a cash-flow and administrative burden even if ÉEQ later reimburses the full amount.
- The materials do not give cost figures, so the scale of the spending the City must initially cover is unknown.