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.
