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Information on the management of household waste in France. What you can and can't throw in the dustbin and how and where to dispose of household waste, toxic products, electronic equipment and garden waste...
Management of household waste and recycling in France is under the responsibility of the local Communautés des Communes, Communautés des Agglomérations or the Town Hall Municipal Services (Services Municipaux).- Find a local Communauté des Communes or Communauté des Agglomérations (in French)
- Find a mairie in France (in French)
- Find a mairie in Paris (in French)
- Find out more about waste bins (in French)
General Household Waste
This bin is for everything which cannot be recycled in France, for example food and diapers.Recycling
Most towns have containers for recycling paper, plastic and cardboard packaging. It is all mixed together, in the bins with yellow lid, and the separation of the material is handled later. Glass is put in a separate container.- A guide on how to recycle different products (in French)
- Information about the legislation regarding the collection of electronic equipment (in French)
Dangerous or Toxic Products
Some items are dangerous to the environment and must be disposed of differently: Paints, toxic products and waste oil from vehicles all need to be taken to the déchèterie. Tyres may not be disposed of at a waste collection site. They must be taken to a garage which is required by law to take them back free of charge. Batteries should be left at collection points often found in the entrance of supermarkets and electronic shops. All shops selling batteries are obliged by law to take back the old ones for free.- Find out more about this law (in French)
Garden Waste
Garden waste such as leaves, branches, hedge cuttings and grass cuttings must be taken to the local déchèterie. In some communes there is a collection service for garden waste (déchets végétaux). Note: It is illegal to burn garden waste even on private property.- Find out more about the law on burning garden waste (in French)
Disposing of large objects
Large objects (encombrants) such as furniture - and if a commune accepts them - washing machines, refrigerators and similar, are not disposed of by the weekly waste removal service. Contact the Town Hall for predetermined collection dates, or the number to call to make an appointment for collection, for these kinds of objects. In some areas, there is no collection and the only option is to bring the items to designated collection points. Information can be found at the local mairie.- Find out more about disposal of large objects (in French)
- Find a mairie in France, outside of Paris (in French)
- Find a mairie in Paris (in French)
Further Information
- Zero Waste
France
- Ademe (Agence de
l'Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l'Energie)
- ConsoGlobe
- Eco-Emballages
- Ecofolio
- Ministère
de l'Écologie, du Développement Durable et de l'Énergie
- Service Public
- Legifrance on the legislation regarding categories of waste (in
French)