In 2025, the used oil recovery system managed by the SOGHU once again demonstrated its strength and effectiveness. Supported by a robust regulatory framework and the ongoing commitment of partners across the value chain — collectors, recyclers, mechanical repair shops, municipal ecocentres and citizens — Quebec continues to showcase exemplary leadership in the responsible management of automotive maintenance products. 

These results are driven first and foremost by a simple action carried out every day by thousands of Quebecers: returning used oil, filters, containers, antifreeze and other products to designated collection points. Behind this simple gesture lies a meaningful contribution to environmental protection. These materials should never be disposed of with household waste. When properly recovered, they can be recycled and repurposed within a circular economy approach. 

The collected materials are directed to recognized recycling channels, where they are transformed through processes such as oil re-refining. These practices help reduce the environmental footprint associated with petroleum-based products while maximizing the value of recovered resources. It is an efficient model that generates tangible and measurable environmental benefits. 

The consistency of the results achieved, as demonstrated by the 2025 performance figures, reflects not only the maturity of the system, but also the growing adoption of these responsible practices by the population. To keep up this momentum and continue improving, everyone’s participation remains essential. Every returned product counts, and every action helps strengthen a sustainable model.

Quebec is therefore positioning itself as a leader, driven by a renewed ambition: to continue improving the recovery, recycling and reuse of automotive maintenance products for the benefit of the entire community. 

Picture and text credit : SOGHU