The basic principle behind this type of exchange program is the idea that one company’s waste can become another’s raw material by putting the supplier and the seeker in contact via electronic means. This notion, like the 3RV (reduction, reuse, recycling, reclamation), gives new life to waste.
Between 1993 and 1998, RECYC-QUÉBEC implemented and operated the Québec Waste Materials Exchange (QWME). The objective was to foster the reclamation of certain materials including paper, glass, metal, TIC and textiles. Through the years, the QWME managed and implemented avenues to promote reclamation.
In 2005, strong and repeated demand from businesses in the environmental sector led the CTTÉI to launch the same type of exchange for industries only. The Centre also added technical support, solicitation, and research and development services. RECYC-QUÉBEC agreed to collaborate in the project by lending the QWME computer equipment to the CTTÉI for two years. In addition to RECYC-QUÉBEC, several partners including the Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation, the Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs, Canada Economic Development, Environment Canada and private businesses worked together to implement the BRIQ pilot project in the Montérégie region and especially in the five CRMs along the St. Lawrence, from the Lower Richelieu to Beauharnois-Salaberry. Based on the results obtained during the first year of operation, in 2007, the CTTÉI focussed on developing the service across the province and fostering by-product exchange.
First and foremost, the BRIQ supports the implementation of optimal conditions for materials exchanges.
During a telephone conversation or visit, the manager will help the member to determine the materials that could be offered on the exchange. There is a standard posting format for easy and optimal reading. Some information is mandatory: supply/demand, category, sub-category (19 categories, 142 sub-categories), main component, classification (hazardous or not), quantities, production frequency and state (solid, liquid).
Recent enhancements have made it possible to include documents such as photographs or specifications. Members may also search through the ads by category. These improvements were meant to foster exchanges and create links beyond the BRIQ. The exchange also offers an automatic networking service for all members.
All new ads prompt a computerized tool, which begins to search for possible links among existing supply and demand offers. An e-mail is then sent out to the businesses that could possibly be interested. The CTTÉI does not negotiate any of the details of the exchanges unless requested to do so by one of the companies.
Any Québec company that requests membership may join the BRIQ after paying the yearly membership fee of $250. Membership includes a telephone conversation or on-site meeting with the person who manages the BRIQ, an unlimited number of online advertisements and automatic networking services with other members.
There are many benefits to using this service :
Potential gains from using the services of the BRIQ |
Economic gains
- Lower waste elimination costs;
- Lower raw material procurement costs;
- Increased revenues through waste sales.
Environmental gains
- Less raw materials development (natural resource preservation);
- Less greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere (transport);
- Increased service life of landfills (less landfilled waste, contaminant lixiviation into the soil and groundwater, biogas emissions, etc.).
Social gains
- New partnerships, products, services, businesses and jobs;
- Awareness-building among managers and employees of industrial ecology and sustainable development;
- A more positive corporate image.
Technical gains
- Enhanced production processes;
- Increased innovative potential;
- Optimized waste management;
- Compliance with environmental regulations.
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Tax credit for technological adaptation services. |
To support businesses in their collaborative and innovative initiatives, the provincial government offers tax credits for the technological adaptation services offered exclusively through college centres for technology transfer such as the CTTÉI.
To be admissible, a company must be established and carry out business in Québec and not be exempt from paying taxes.
The tax credit for a company in a taxation year is equal to 50% of the admissible expenses incurred through the CTTÉI. This credit is reimbursable in its entirety, irrelevant of the size of the company.
Admissible expenses :
- 100% of BRIQ membership fees;
- 80% of the fees for networking and transfers through the CTTÉI including :
- the identification of waste outlets;
- Corporate needs assessment;
- Networking with stakeholders;
- Technico-economic studies;
- Support in carrying out an innovation project.
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Legislative incentives |
The need to preserve the environment and the province’s landfilling capacities is becoming increasingly present in the directions of the Québec government. Legislative framework to foster waste recycling and reclamation was therefore instituted.
The BRIQ is a very efficient tool to help companies comply with the regulations in effect and an important lever to attain government policy objectives.
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