Société VIA has been operating the Ville de Québec sorting centre since 2009. Just imagine: over 800,000 tonnes processed in 15 years. Our partnership has enabled us to develop our expertise and take our social mission to the next level. Recognized as an adapted company driven by innovation and committed to our employees’ well-being, we had to keep building on what makes us strong!
Over the past year, we made improvements to our sorting lines. Major work, made possible by the financial contribution of RECYC-QUÉBEC, got underway in winter 2023. This is how the container sorting line was reworked and enhanced with an optical sorter to optimize the existing sorters further along in the process.
This restructuring made it possible to update and optimize the processes dedicated to container sorting. To date, our teams at Société VIA are working on the final milestones of this major project.
“With this project, we’re proud to have reduced our reject rate for recyclable materials, while increasing the quality of plastic bales to meet the new standards now in effect,” says Yannick Lagacé, Vice-President of Operations.
Several improvements are already tangible! We’re seeing a better fibre capture rate—made up of paper/cardboard—as well as better sorting performance for plastic containers. “Given the market in recent years, it became essential to enhance our system so we could adapt to it, as it now allows for greater recovery of these materials,” Sarah explains. 
At Société VIA, respecting our social mission remains a priority. That’s why each sorting station was redesigned to make the job easier for sorters, while maintaining ergonomics and comfort for employees. “Since I’ve been on container sorting—since March 2023—I’ve been having a blast like a real little kid! I’m really in my element, and the changes made have made my job so much easier!” Simon, an employee at the Quebec City plant, told us. He also mentioned that under normal conditions, modernizing the facilities allows him to pick up only one type of plastic, except during busy periods, which is very positive and makes his work easier. These infrastructure changes open the door to creating new jobs for people with limitations.
This project was made possible thanks to the financial contribution of RECYC-QUÉBEC. Thanks to the Ville de Québec