Article content

Is it better for the environment for Montrealers to put their newspapers in the garbage or their recycling bins?

A local expert on residual waste could not answer that question on Monday as the city grapples with a recycling crisis. He said despite the crisis, people should continue to put their papers in their recycling bins to keep up the habit. However, he admitted the environmental benefit in doing so is unclear, at least for now.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Montreal's recycling crisis could erode citizen confidence: expert Back to video

“I don’t know and I don’t want to answer that question, but for sure the situation right now is not acceptable,” said Karel Ménard, the director of the Front québécois pour une gestion écologique des déchets. “Certainly, sending things to the other corner of the world without knowing what happens to it raises questions.”

Montreal is looking for a new operator for its two recycling plants after Rebuts Solides Canada Inc. announced Friday it is ceasing its Canadian operations in the near future.