“Many garages say they’re part of SOGHU, but few really understand how it works,” says Jean-François Richard, Executive Director of the Société de gestion des huiles usagées (SOGHU). The organization doesn’t operate trucks itself; instead, it relies on 25 collection partners serving about 14,000 sites across Quebec — garages, dealerships, industries and municipalities — all enjoying free recovery service for used oils, engine coolant, there containers and oil filters. containers.
A well oiled network
Among these, 1,114 businesses and municipalities go a step further by becoming official collection points listed on the SOGHU website. “Our goal is to reach 2,000 collection points by 2026,” says Richard. “It’s a tangible way for workshops to give back to their communities.”
Recyling means adding value
Each new point receives a $100 joining bonus, benefit from exclusive promotion, and gains recognition as an eco-responsible business. In 2025, a special oil-filter promotion will pay up to $35 per bin collected.
Richard emphasizes the bigger picture: “Our mission is to ensure every litre of used oil gets a second life.” Thanks to re-refining, 80 % of a used-oil barrel can become lubricant again — versus only 4 % of a crude-oil barrel. “By recycling our oils, we save the equivalent of 2.3 billion litres of petroleum each year in Quebec.”
For citizens, the gesture is simple: bring used oil in its original container during business hours and speak to staff. “We need to avoid random drop-offs — if we don’t know what’s in the bottle, we can’t recycle it safely,” he notes.
Shops and parters at the heart of the solution
Richard also highlights the role of major banner partners such as M360, Octo, Toyota, General Motors and CAA Quebec, which help expand SOGHU’s reach.
“It’s a collective effort for the environment — and a strong sign that Quebec’s repair shops truly want to be part of the solution.”
Picture credit : Adobe Stock
