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Subsidy for
sustainable
personal care products and eco-friendly products

The cost of disposability
Why invest
Make your request
Terms and conditions
FAQ

This subsidy program, in collaboration with partner cities, helps reduce the cost of purchasing washable sanitary pads for menstruating or incontinent people.

Apply for a grant

The cost of disposability

Every year in Canada, some 771 million sanitary pads are thrown away, which represents about 3 kg of disposable products per person.. It is calculated that, over the course of a lifetime, a person will use around 15,000 tampons and/or disposable sanitary pads.

Their composition of different plastic mixtures makes them non-recyclable and non-compostable, taking around 450 years to decompose completely.

LEARN MORE

“Annually, it is estimated that a menstruating person spends an average of $70 on disposable personal hygiene products. Whereas the cost of sustainable alternatives per year would be around $39.”

Source: Ms L’Ovary, 2020

Why invest in sustainable hygiene products?

Protect waterways

Given that 20 to 30 chemicals can be found in their composition, the disposable products that end up in our waterways contribute to their pollution.

Save money!

Although the initial investment may seem costly, sustainable options can save you a lot of money on your hygiene products!

For your health!

Tampons can cause toxic shock syndrome. We also don't know the effects of the chemicals that may be contained in disposable protection products on our health. Investing in sustainable products is also a gesture towards our well-being!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Accepted products ⭐️

  • Menstrual cups or discs;
  • Washable menstrual pants;
  • Washable sanitary towels;
  • Washable pantiliners;
  • Absorbent inserts / removable towels
  • For the subsidy for cloth diapers for babies aged 0 to 24 months, please go to the dedicated page.

Financial assistance 💰

This program reimburses 50% of the purchase price of durable personal care products, up to a maximum of $100 per citizen. The reimbursement percentage is increased by 10% for purchases from a City of Montreal retailer, and by 25% for low-income earners.

  • Several purchases can be grouped together in a single grant application;
  • Purchases made within 6 months of application may be reimbursed by the grant;
  • There is a limit of one grant application per citizen, except when the citizen wishes to apply on behalf of a minor or dependent for whom he/she is responsible. In the latter case, the citizen is entitled to submit an application for each minor or dependant, in addition to his or her own application;
  • Refundable purchases must be made in Canadian dollars;
  • Delivery and customs charges are not refundable to citizens;
  • When a discount has been offered on the total amount of an invoice presented by the citizen, without clear indication of which products are being promoted, the discount is applied proportionally to the original price of each product covered by the program, and the refundable amount paid to the citizen will be calculated by GRAME from the reduced price of each product covered;
  • The refund will be made by bank transfer.

Documents required 📁

Proof of residence in the name of the person receiving the subsidized products. Eligible supporting documents include

  • Valid driving license;
  • Current year’s lease;
  • Tax account;
  • Electricity or telephone bill for the four (4) months following the purchase of durable personal care products.

Purchase invoices, showing the description and price of each product and the name of the company that sold the products.

  • Invoices for purchases made online must show the name and address of the citizen making the request.

A specimen cheque in the name of the person receiving the subsidized products or the responsible adult, if the purchase was made for a minor or dependant by a responsible adult, or if the minor or dependant who purchased the subsidized products does not have a bank account in his or her name. In the latter two cases, a document proving the link between the minor or dependant and the responsible adult must be sent.

If applicable, a document indicating the relationship between the minor or the minor’s dependant who is the beneficiary of the subsidized products and the responsible adult who made the purchase or who will receive the reimbursement. Here are the eligible supporting documents, bearing the name of the minor and the name of the responsible adult:

  • Birth certificate or;
  • School attendance document.

This program is made possible by funding from the Sud-Ouest Borough.

This program is aimed at the population of the MRC du Rocher-Percé and the town of Gaspé.

Financial assistance 💰

This program offers a refund of 50% of the purchase price of ecological/sustainable products, up to a maximum of $250 per address per year. The reimbursement percentage is increased by 10% for purchases from a merchant in the municipalities of Port-Daniel-Gascons, Chandler, Grande-Rivière, Sainte-Thérèse-de-Gaspé, Percé and Gaspé.

  • Several purchases can be grouped together in a single grant application;
  • Purchases made in the current year can be reimbursed by the grant, until the budget is exhausted;
  • Refundable purchases must be made in Canadian dollars;
  • GST and QST sales taxes, delivery charges and customs fees are not refundable to citizens;
  • If a discount is applied to an invoice total without specifying which products are on promotion, the discount will be allocated proportionally according to the original price of each product covered by the program. GRAME then calculates the refundable amount based on the reduced price of each product concerned.
  • The refund will be made by bank transfer;
  • The subsidy program ends on the earliest of the following dates:
    • December 31, 2026; or
    • When program funds run out.

Documents required 📁

  • Recent proof of residence in the name of the person receiving the subsidized products.
  • Purchase invoices, showing the date of purchase, the description and price of each product, and the name of the company that sold the products.
  • Only invoices for the current year will be accepted;
    Invoices for purchases made online must show the name and address of the applicant.
  • A specimen cheque in the name of the person receiving the subsidized products or the adult responsible.
  • A document indicating the relationship between the minor receiving the subsidized products and the responsible adult who made the purchase and will receive the refund:
  • Birth certificate, birth certificate, adoption certificate or judgment indicating the relationship of the minor or dependent to the responsible adult.

Eligible products ⭐️

Please note – Although this page is dedicated to menstrual and incontinence products, the RITMRG subsidizes many other products. The list is available below.

  • Durable personal hygiene products (PHPD) for menstruation and incontinence
    • Menstrual cups or discs;
    • Washable menstrual pants;
    • Washable sanitary towels;
    • Washable pantiliners;
    • Absorbent inserts / removable towels;
    • Absorbent pants and protective underwear for bladder weakness;
    • Washable incontinence products;
    • Adult diapers (including washable absorbent inserts).
  • Cloth diapers for babies
    • New cloth diapers;
    • Used cloth diapers purchased from a specialized company;
    • A complete diaper rental service for a minimum 12-month period;
    • The following diaper accessories: absorbent insert, flat diaper fastener, diaper cover (waterproof fabric or wool), soiled diaper transport bag.
  • Electronic and household appliance repairs
    • Screens
    • video games
    • cellular
    • tablet
    • computer
    • e-reader
    • television
    • sound system
    • radio
    • household appliance (large or small),
    • solar energy
    • marine electricity
  • Eco-responsible, reusable packaging
    • Juice box
    • Snack bag (fabric or silicone)
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Reusable food packaging (e.g. beeswax)
    • Bowl covers
    • Lunch box
    • Insulating container
    • Reusable utensils
    • Reusable stainless steel, glass or bamboo container
  • Rechargeable battery charger and rechargeable batteries (maximum of 4 batteries per address)
  • Bidet (maximum 1 per address)
    • The hand-held bidet;
    • The bidet module;
    • The bidet toilet seat;
    • The “intelligent” toilet;
    • The freestanding bidet.
    • Note: Bidet installation costs are also eligible.

Accepted products ⭐️

  • Menstrual cups or discs;
  • Washable menstrual pants;
  • Washable sanitary towels;
  • Washable pantiliners;
  • Absorbent pants and protective underwear for bladder weakness;
  • Washable incontinence products.
  • For the subsidy for cloth diapers for babies aged 0 to 24 months, please go to the dedicated page.

Financial assistance 💰

The program offers 100% reimbursement of purchase costs up to $50 CAD.

  • There is a limit of one grant application per citizen per two years, except when the citizen wishes to apply on behalf of a minor for whom he/she is responsible. In the latter case, the citizen is entitled to submit an application for each minor, in addition to his or her own application;
  • Several purchases can be grouped together in a single grant application;
  • Refundable purchases must be made in Canadian dollars;
  • GST and QST sales taxes, delivery charges and customs fees are not refundable to citizens;
  • When a discount has been offered on the total amount of an invoice presented by the citizen, without a clear indication of which products are being promoted, the subsidy refund will be applied to the price of the items concerned after the discount, and not to the regular price indicated on the lines of the products concerned on the invoice.
  • The refund will be made by bank transfer.

Documents required 📁

Proof of residence in the name of the person receiving the subsidized products. Eligible supporting documents include

  • Valid driving license;
  • Current year’s lease;
  • Tax account;
  • Electricity or telephone bill dated no more than three (3) months before or after the purchase of durable personal care products.

Purchase invoices, showing the description and price of each product and the name of the company that performed the service.

  • Invoices for purchases made online must show the name and address of the citizen making the request.

A specimen cheque in the name of the beneficiary of the subsidized products or of the responsible adult, if the purchase was made for a minor or dependant of a responsible adult.

If applicable, a document indicating the relationship between the minor or the minor’s dependant who is the beneficiary of the subsidized products and the responsible adult who made the purchase or who will receive the reimbursement. Here are the eligible supporting documents, bearing the name of the minor and the name of the responsible adult:

  • The birth certificate of the minor or his/her dependant;
  • A document from the school where the minor is enrolled.

Accepted products ⭐️

  • Menstrual cups or discs;
  • Washable menstrual pants;
  • Washable sanitary towels;
  • Washable pantiliners;
  • Absorbent inserts / removable, washable towels;
  • Absorbent pants and protective underwear for bladder weakness;
  • Washable incontinence products;
  • Cloth diapers for adults.

Financial assistance 💰

This program offers a reimbursement of 60% of the purchase price of the above-mentioned products, up to a maximum of $100 per citizen per year. The reimbursement percentage is increased by 25% for purchases made at a Pierreville retailer.

  • Several purchases can be grouped together in a single grant application;

  • Purchases made in the 6 months preceding the application may be reimbursed by the grant;

  • There is a limit of one grant application per citizen per year, except when the citizen wishes to apply on behalf of a minor or dependent for whom he/she is responsible. In the latter case, the citizen may submit one application per year for each minor or dependent who is of age or in need of durable personal care products, in addition to his or her own application;

  • Refundable purchases must be in Canadian funds;

  • GST and QST sales taxes, delivery charges and customs fees are not refundable to citizens;

  • When a discount has been offered on the total amount of an invoice presented by the citizen, without clear indication of which products are being promoted, the discount is applied proportionally to the original price of each product covered by the program, and the refundable amount paid to the citizen will be calculated by GRAME from the reduced price of each product covered;

  • The refund will be made by bank transfer.

Documents required 📁

Proof of residence in the name of the person receiving the subsidized products. Eligible supporting documents include

  • Valid driving license;
  • Current year’s lease;
  • Tax account;
  • Electricity or telephone bill dated no more than three (3) months before or after the purchase of durable personal care products.

Purchase invoices, showing the description and price of each product and the name of the company that performed the service.

  • Invoices for purchases made online must show the name and address of the citizen making the request.

A specimen cheque in the name of the beneficiary of the subsidized products or of the responsible adult, if the purchase was made for a minor or dependant of a responsible adult.

If applicable, a document indicating the relationship between the minor or the minor’s dependant who is the beneficiary of the subsidized products and the responsible adult who made the purchase or who will receive the reimbursement. Here are the eligible supporting documents, bearing the name of the minor and the name of the responsible adult:

  • The birth certificate of the minor or his/her dependant;
  • A document from the school where the minor is enrolled.

For hygiene products dedicated to babies, please visit our dedicated page.

SUSTAINABLE PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS (PHPD)

Accepted products ⭐️

  • Menstrual cups or discs;
  • Washable menstrual pants;
  • Washable sanitary towels;
  • Washable pantiliners;
  • Absorbent inserts / removable towels;
  • Absorbent pants and protective underwear for bladder weakness;
  • Washable incontinence products;
  • Adult diapers (including washable absorbent inserts).

Financial assistance 💰

This program reimburses 50% of the purchase price of the above-mentioned products, up to a maximum of $100 per citizen. The reimbursement percentage is increased by 20% for purchases from a Lévis merchant and by 20% for low-income earners, in accordance with article 7 of by-law RV3552.

  • Any claim for which the reimbursement amount is less than $25 (i.e. the percentage reimbursed on your total bill) is ineligible for the program;
  • Several purchases can be grouped together in a single grant application;
  • Purchases made within 150 days of application may be reimbursed by the grant;
  • Only one request for assistance may be made per user per 3-year period, except when the citizen wishes to submit a request on behalf of a minor or a dependent for whom he/she is responsible. In the latter case, the citizen may submit an application for each minor or dependent who is of an age or in need of durable personal care products, in addition to his or her own application;
  • Refundable purchases must be in Canadian funds;
  • GST and QST sales taxes, delivery charges and customs fees are not refundable to citizens;
  • When a discount has been offered on the total amount of an invoice presented by the citizen, without clear indication of which products are being promoted, the discount is applied proportionally to the original price of each product covered by the program, and the refundable amount paid to the citizen will be calculated by GRAME from the reduced price of each product covered;
  • The refund will be made by bank transfer.

Documents required 📁

Proof of residence in the name of the person receiving the subsidized products. Eligible supporting documents include

  • Valid driving license;
  • Current year’s lease;
  • Tax account;
  • Electricity or or telephone account dated no more than three (3) months before or after the purchase of the durable personal care products.

Purchase invoices, showing the description and price of each product and the name of the company that sold the products.

  • Invoices for purchases made online must show the name and address of the citizen making the request.

A specimen cheque in the name of the person receiving the subsidized products or the responsible adult, if the purchase was made for a minor or dependant by a responsible adult, or if the minor or dependant who purchased the subsidized products does not have a bank account in his or her name. In the latter two cases, a document proving the link between the minor or dependant and the responsible adult must be sent.

If applicable, adocument showing the relationship between the minor or dependant receiving the subsidized products and the responsible adult who made the purchase or will receive the reimbursement. Here are the eligible supporting documents, bearing the name of the minor and the name of the responsible adult:

  • The birth certificate of the minor or his/her dependant;
  • A document from the school where the minor is enrolled.

BIDETS

Accepted products ⭐️

  • Bidet to attach;
  • Bidet toilet seat.

Financial assistance 💰

This program offers a refund of 50% of the purchase price of the above-mentioned products, up to a maximum of $50 per address. The reimbursement percentage is increased by 20% for purchases from a Lévis merchant and by 20% for low-income earners, in accordance with article 7 of by-law RV3552.

  • Any claim for which the reimbursement amount is less than $25 (i.e. the percentage reimbursed on your total bill) is ineligible for the program;
  • Several purchases can be grouped together in a single grant application;
  • Purchases made within 150 days of application may be reimbursed by the grant;
  • There is a limit of one grant application per address;
  • Refundable purchases must be in Canadian funds;
  • GST and QST sales taxes, delivery charges and customs fees are not refundable to citizens;
  • When a discount has been offered on the total amount of an invoice presented by the citizen, without clear indication of which products are being promoted, the discount is applied proportionally to the original price of each product covered by the program, and the refundable amount to be paid to the citizen will be calculated by GRAME from the reduced price of each product covered;
  • The refund will be made by bank transfer.

Documents required 📁

Proof of residence in the name of the person receiving the subsidized products. Eligible supporting documents include

  • Valid driving license;
  • Current year’s lease;
  • Tax account;
  • Electricity or three (3) months before or after the purchase of eligible products. eligible products.

Purchase invoices, showing the description and price of each product and the name of the company that sold the products.

  • Invoices for purchases made online must show the name and address of the citizen making the request.

A photo of the products installed.

A specimen cheque made out to the beneficiary of the subsidized products.

GROUND CARE PRODUCTS

Accepted products ⭐️

  • Chipper blade;
  • Mulching mower;
  • Mulching kit for lawn tractors.

Financial assistance 💰

This program offers a refund of 80% of the purchase price of the above-mentioned products, up to a maximum of $50 per address. The reimbursement percentage is increased by 20% for purchases from a Lévis merchant and by 20% for low-income earners, in accordance with article 7 of by-law RV3552.

  • Any claim for which the reimbursement amount is less than $25 (i.e. the percentage reimbursed on your total bill) is ineligible for the program;
  • Several purchases can be grouped together in a single grant application;
  • Purchases made within 150 days of application may be reimbursed by the grant;
  • There is a limit of one grant application per address;
  • Refundable purchases must be in Canadian funds;
  • GST and QST sales taxes, delivery charges and customs fees are not refundable to citizens;
  • When a discount has been offered on the total amount of an invoice presented by the citizen, without clear indication of which products are being promoted, the discount is applied proportionally to the original price of each product covered by the program, and the refundable amount to be paid to the citizen will be calculated by GRAME from the reduced price of each product covered;
  • The refund will be made by bank transfer.

Documents required 📁

Proof of residence in the name of the person receiving the subsidized products. Eligible supporting documents include

  • Valid driving license;
  • Current year’s lease;
  • Tax account;
  • Electricity or three (3) months before or after the purchase of eligible products. eligible products.

Purchase invoices, showing the description and price of each product and the name of the company that sold the products.

  • Invoices for purchases made online must show the name and address of the citizen making the request.

A photo of the products installed.

A specimen cheque made out to the beneficiary of the subsidized products.

HOUSEHOLD COMPOSTERS

Accepted products ⭐️

  • Domestic composter, defined as: any storage container for organic and mineral residues, enabling them to be fermented to produce compost.

Financial assistance 💰

This program offers a refund of 50% of the purchase price of the above-mentioned products, up to a maximum of $50 per address. The reimbursement percentage is increased by 20% for purchases from a Lévis merchant and by 20% for low-income earners, in accordance with article 7 of by-law RV3552.

  • Any claim for which the reimbursement amount is less than $25 (i.e. the percentage reimbursed on your total bill) is ineligible for the program;
  • Several purchases can be grouped together in a single grant application;
  • Purchases made within 150 days of application may be reimbursed by the grant;
  • There is a limit of one grant application per address;
  • Refundable purchases must be in Canadian funds;
  • GST and QST sales taxes, delivery charges and customs fees are not refundable to citizens;
  • When a discount has been offered on the total amount of an invoice presented by the citizen, without clear indication of which products are being promoted, the discount is applied proportionally to the original price of each product covered by the program, and the refundable amount to be paid to the citizen will be calculated by GRAME from the reduced price of each product covered;
  • The refund will be made by bank transfer.

Documents required 📁

Proof of residence in the name of the person receiving the subsidized products. Eligible supporting documents include

  • Valid driving license;
  • Current year’s lease;
  • Tax account;
  • Electricity or three (3) months before or after the purchase of eligible products. eligible products.

Purchase invoices, showing the description and price of each product and the name of the company that sold the products.

  • Invoices for purchases made online must show the name and address of the citizen making the request.

A specimen cheque made out to the beneficiary of the subsidized products.

Who can participate?👀
Any individual domiciled in Quebec City at the time of application.

Accepted products ⭐️

  • Menstrual cups or discs;
  • Washable menstrual pants;
  • Washable sanitary towels;
  • Washable pantiliners;
  • Absorbent inserts / removable towels

For the subsidy for baby diapers, please go to the dedicated page.

Financial assistance 💰

This program offers a reimbursement of 60% of the purchase price of the above-mentioned products, up to a maximum of $100 per citizen. The reimbursement percentage is increased by 15% for products purchased from a Quebec City retailer.

  • Several purchases can be grouped together in a single grant application;
  • Purchases made up to 180 days before the application date may be reimbursed by the grant;
  • There is a limit of two grants per citizen every 5 (five) years, unless the citizen wishes to apply on behalf of a minor or dependant for whom he/she is responsible. In the latter case, the citizen is entitled to submit two applications for each minor or dependant every 5 years, in addition to his or her own applications;
  • Refundable purchases must be made in Canadian dollars;
  • Taxes, delivery charges and customs duties are not refundable;
  • When a discount has been offered on the total amount of an invoice presented by the citizen, without clear indication of the products on promotion, the discount is applied to the original price for each product covered by the program, and the refundable amount will be calculated by GRAME from the reduced price of each product covered;
  • The refund will be made by bank transfer.

Documents required 📁

Proof of residence in the name of the person receiving the subsidized products. Eligible supporting documents include

  • Valid driver’s license or ;
  • Current year’s lease or ;
  • Tax account for the year of application or ;
  • Electricity or internet and telephone service provider account or dated within four (4) months of purchase of durable personal care products.

Purchase invoices, showing the date of purchase, description and price of each product:

  • Invoices for online purchases must show the name and address of the person making the request;
  • Invoices must be in English or French;
  • The invoice must show the name of the person/company who sold the products, as well as their GST and QST numbers, if applicable.
  • If the vendor is not registered for GST and QST, his or her Quebec Business Number (NEQ) must appear on the invoice;
  • Order confirmations, transaction receipts and account or credit card statements are not accepted.

A specimen cheque in the name of the beneficiary of the subsidized products or the responsible adult, if the purchase was made for a minor or dependent by a responsible adult, or if the minor or dependent who purchased the subsidized products does not have a bank account in his or her name.

If applicable, a document indicating the relationship between the minor receiving the subsidized products and the responsible adult who made the purchase or who will receive the reimbursement. Here are the eligible supporting documents, bearing the name of the minor and the name of the responsible adult:

  • Birth certificate or;
  • The adoption deed or;
  • Birth certificate or;
  • A judgment indicating the relationship with the responsible adult.

Accepted products ⭐️

  • Menstrual cups or discs;
  • Washable menstrual pants;
  • Washable sanitary towels;
  • Washable incontinence products.

Financial assistance 💰

This program reimburses 50% of the purchase price of durable personal care products, up to a maximum of $100 per citizen every two years.

  • Several purchases can be grouped together in a single grant application;
  • There is a limit of one grant application per citizen every two years, except when the citizen wishes to apply on behalf of a minor child for whom he/she is responsible. In the latter case, the citizen is entitled to submit an application for the minor child every two years, in addition to his or her own application;
  • Refundable purchases must be made in Canadian dollars;
  • GST and QST sales taxes, delivery charges and customs fees are not refundable to citizens;
  • When a discount has been offered on the total amount of an invoice presented by the citizen, without a clear indication of which products are being promoted, the subsidy refund will be applied to the price of the items concerned after the discount, and not to the regular price indicated on the lines of the products concerned on the invoice.
  • The refund will be made by bank transfer.

Documents required 📁

The following documents must be uploaded by the applicant:

  • Proof of residence in your name;
  • Invoices for purchases, showing the description and price of each product and the name of the citizen;
  • A specimen cheque in his name;
  • The birth certificate of his/her minor child, if the product(s) were purchased for him/her.

Choose the form for your municipality :

Participating municipalities

Frequently asked questions

GRAME will reimburse the fee within 30 working days, provided the information supplied is correct. You will receive information on your request by e-mail.

If you have forgotten to include one of your supporting documents with your claim, you can always send it by e-mail to the following address: phpd@grame.org within a maximum of 5 working days.

Yes, the subsidy reimburses a certain amount of the purchase per person, so two people in the same household can qualify for the subsidy. However, you will need to make two separate applications and submit two separate invoices.

Yes. However, care must be taken to submit all invoices in a single application.

Please refer to the terms and conditions section to find out what you are entitled to.

Many Quebec municipalities already have subsidy programs for sustainable personal care products. Mme L’Ovary has compiled a list of cities with subsidy programs, along with details. Discover the list!

If the funds for your municipality have run out, we recommend that you contact your municipality to let them know of your interest in the program. This may encourage your municipality to continue its grant program.

Thank you for your interest in our subsidy program! Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to display every single business we work with on our website. However, we strongly encourage you to inform your customers that your products are eligible for the subsidy program.

To help you, we’ve provided this promotional kit for you to download!