Reduction at the source is still the most effective means to reduce the amount of residual materials produced. To accomplish this, several measures can be taken.

• Ban single-use water bottles in municipal buildings, replace water bottles with pitchers and glasses, and install water fountains in appropriate locations.
• Replace No. 6 plastics in food banks run by the Ville de Montréal.

• Replace single-use water bottles with pitchers and glasses.
• Install water fountains.
• Use double-sided printing and introduce paper-saving programs.
• Use primarily reusable products and replace No. 6 plastics with recyclable materials.

To divert as many materials as possible from elimination and, eventually, to bury only the remaining residual materials, it is imperative that large-scale collection of organic matter be introduced. As such, two anaerobic digestion centres, two composting centres and a pilot centre for the pre-treatment of organic waste will be built. Over the next five years, more than 500,000 housing units will be targeted, enabling the treatment of 230,000 tons of organic matter.

Among other advantages, building new ecocentres will make it easier for citizens to dispose of hazardous household waste (HHW). Also, broadening the scope of producers’ responsibilities means they will be accountable for the recycling and reuse of specific products. The agglomeration will play an active, yet complementary role in providing producers access to its ecocentres.

• Offer organic waste collection services to citizens (eight-dwelling units or less).
• Build two anaerobic digestion centres, two composting centres and a pilot centre for the pre treatment of organic waste.
• Divert construction, renovation and demolition (CRD) waste from elimination and transport it to waste treatment facilities.
• Offer only one waste collection day per week.
• Expand the network of ecocentres.

• Take part in one of the three levels of RECYC-QUÉBEC’s ICI ON RECYCLE! recognition program.
• Transport CRD waste to a treatment facility.

The Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) has developed a certification program to standardize ecoresponsible event management. This standard covers a variety of topics, from sourcing suppliers to waste management.

Any organization can apply the criteria set out in the standard on a voluntary basis to evaluate its own events. However, organizations seeking certification for their events must absolutely fulfill the requirements stipulated in the standard.

• Obtain a certification in responsible event management (standard BNQ 9700-253/2010) by 2011 for the Direction de l’environnement et du développement durable.
• Encourage responsible event management among promoters holding events in the public arena.
• Adopt sustainable development criteria for festivals and events in Montréal, in compliance with Québec’s standard for ecoresponsible event management.

• Become certified in responsible event management (standard BNQ 9700-253/2010).
• Hold eco-responsible events (for events and meetings of all sizes).