France's Recycling Progress and Future Steps in Waste Sorting

When it comes to recycling, the French have seen progress in recent years. However, there is room for improvement in terms of waste organization.

Recent survey data from the Observatory of Sorting Behavior by Ipsos indicates that 51% of the French now systematically sort their packaging. This is a significant increase compared to 43% in 2013 and 48% in 2017.

While these numbers are encouraging for some, others remain concerned about the slow progress. To encourage those who are hesitant to change their waste habits, there is a call for stricter laws and regulations.

Starting from January 2024, the disposal of food leftovers without proper sorting will no longer be an option. The 2020 Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy (AGEC) law mandates local authorities to provide biowaste sorting solutions for individuals.

Biowastes, as defined by the law, include non-hazardous biodegradable waste from gardens, parks, households, offices, restaurants, canteens, and wholesale trade. These wastes currently account for one-third of household waste.

This new sorting approach aims to achieve three objectives: reducing the carbon footprint, producing biogas, and improving soil quality through organic fertilizers for farmers and green space managers. Incinerating or burying waste will no longer be the norm.

Municipalities will have to choose between separate collection and local management methods. In the case of separate collection, it can be carried out through door-to-door collection or voluntary drop-off points for biowaste deposits.

Alternatively, users can take responsibility for treating their own biowaste by utilizing individual or collective composters. Some municipalities have already started distributing compost to their residents. If your municipality has not yet communicated about the implementation of these methods, it is expected to be announced soon.

In conclusion, while France has made progress in waste sorting, there is still work to be done. The upcoming regulations regarding biowaste sorting are expected to contribute significantly to the country's recycling efforts and carbon footprint reduction.