The TAQ group proposes a pilot project that would make it possible to ecologically recycle more than a hundred million COVID tests that are about to expire and lie dormant in government warehouses.
The TAQ group, which enables people with disabilities to find employment, is calling on both levels of government to provide financial support to restore and improve COVID testing.
The organization claims to have motivated employees and the necessary facilities to carry out the work.
“And we need the trust of the federal and state governments, because they are the ones who have the COVID tests and entrust us with the task of recycling.” It is also certain that it requires an economic contribution,” explains Gabriel Tremblay, President and General Manager of TAQ Group.
Gabriel Tremblay, President and General Manager of Groupe TAQ. Catherine Bouchard
For now, an amount of around $200,000 would make it possible to start the project and recover the materials from a million tests. That's 20 in the test.
“We could do this in three to four months, employ between 30 and 40 people and we would be able to estimate the actual cost of recycling the test boxes,” Mr Tremblay continues.
Employment for several years
If the project comes about, recycling tests could employ around a hundred people for around five years.
There are currently a million boxes of soon-to-expire tests sitting dormant in federal warehouses. No disposal plan has been proposed.
“That corresponds to 300 semi-trailers. “Imagine 300 semi-trucks being sent to landfills or incinerators… it doesn’t make sense,” states the CEO.
At the provincial level, there are approximately 40 million tests that are not being used.
Leftover boxes of COVID tests on this table were produced from around 40 tests. Catherine Bouchard
In addition to the environmental value of the project, there is also a human value as the project would create jobs for people with disabilities.
Mr. Tremblay recalls that the federal government invested $5 billion in purchasing tests, which cost about $6 per test. He points out that the TAQ group has already begun its efforts with governments. There is interest in the project, but no agreement has yet been reached.
“Can we spend 12 or 13 cents to dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way?” I hope so,” argues Mr. Tremblay.
Carlos Valencia, who has been with TAQ Group for 13 years, demonstrates materials that could be reclaimed. Catherine Bouchard
Promising project
According to Stéphane Thériault, director general of the Quebec Council of Adapted Businesses (CQAE), it is a promising project to integrate people with disabilities into the labor market.
Stéphane Thériault, director general of the Quebec Council of Adapted Enterprises. Catherine Bouchard
It is the VIA company that recycles the recyclable components.
“From an ecological point of view it is of great importance. Given the climate emergency, we cannot do without it,” emphasizes Jean-Sébastien Daigle, President and CEO of the organization.
Expired COVID tests:
- At the federal level: around 100 million tests
- Provincial: around 40 million tests
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