Waste Prevention in France
2011 STATUS REPORT
Data and indicators Table of Contents Editorial by Daniel Béguin, Director for Sustainable Consumption and Waste Management, ADEME 3 Background 4 Some facts and figures 5 Raising awareness of waste prevention 9 Current events in Europe 11 1 Roadmap for a resource-efficient economy 1 European Parliament Resolution on food wastage 1 “Generation Awake”: increasing consumer responsibility
3 questions for… Bruno Maresca, Director of Research, CREDOC 13 Prevention plans and programmes in 2011 14 Encouraging prevention 16 1 Réduisons vite nos déchets, ça déborde (Let’s cut waste – the bin is overflowing) campaign results are once again very positive 1 EWWR continues to break records 1 A conference for the dissemination of good practices Focus on… 18 1 2011: solid advances for environmental labelling 1 “Pay as you throw” incentives are gaining ground 1 Distribution in bulk: a developing practice in need of an environmental assessment 1 25 proposals for sustainable consumption 1 Single-use carrier sacks: more to be done in food markets and small shops 1 A toolbox for the construction and public works sector 1 A roadmap for ecodesign Action in the field 21 1 The Nar SMICTOM and the “Model Businesses” operation 1 Build cooperation and consolidate: the keywords for reducing food waste in school lunch rooms 1 Gobi: ecodesigned reusable bottle for the office 1 Qualitative and quantitative prevention of paint waste: win-win! 1 Local prevention programmes and “pay as you throw”: a win-win synergy in Sarrebourg 1 The Boréal scheme: how to better match field action to the terrain 1 In situ treatment of trench cuttings: an advantageous process 1 Ten years of “pay as you throw”, with positive results 1 The Schiltigheim maternity hospital chooses reusable nappies 1 Major consumer chains bet on bulk 1 Canon France resuscitates printing systems 1 Prevention – creating social ties between generations
Definitions and acronyms 27 2 Editorial
Daniel Béguin Director for Sustainable Consumption and Waste Management, ADEME
In 2010 waste prevention plans and programmes were well under way. Could we say that 2011 was a year of confirmation? It’s true that local authorities made a particularly the general public respondents interviewed, and massive commitment in the course of this year, and 91% of business respondents, felt that the campaign now nearly 61% of the population is covered by had “incited them to take action”. More broadly, a prevention programme. That’s almost twice the these levers used by ADEME should be seen in the percentage of the preceding year! context of a strong and dynamic European policy And businesses are starting to follow the that has made waste reduction a top priority (see lead given by local authorities… pages 11-12). In recent years companies have decided to reduce Considerable work has been undertaken their waste, for several reasons. Waste policy to educate elected officials. Can you tell us provides incentives, and in some cases makes more about these efforts? waste minimisation mandatory via regulation. The education provided for elected officials is Companies want to cut certain costs, they want to designed to encourage them to get involved, a distinguish themselves or meet customer demand. factor of success for any prevention programme. And there is the influence of local authorities and This education: waste prevention plans and programmes. Large 1 fosters long-term implication, companies and SME-SMIs alike are interested in 1 waste prevention. The success of schemes like the helps the local authorities become models to one developed in the Nar waste district give ample be followed, in terms of their personnel as well evidence of this (see page 21). as the organisation of their services. The awareness module was dispensed to close to What are the means used by ADEME to 1,700 elected officials in 2011, and this action will accompany actors in the field? continue in 2012. Judging by the success of the ADEME deploys an array of supporting tools and module, it appears that elected officials are eager communication. At the heart of this array is the to tackle this issue! collaborative platform Optigede. The platform compiles tools based directly on the experience What is the key word for 2012? of companies and local authorities, and is updated If I had to give just one word, it would be EVALUATE. regularly, enabling technicians to exchange their Action plans have been implemented. Now we best practices. This engenders a significant economy need to accurately document their effects. Which of time and money for these actors. Another major partners take measures? Has waste tonnage pillar of our action is the “Let’s cut waste” campaign. evolved? What is the impact on costs? Even though This year companies and local authorities were these programmes are necessarily part of specifically targeted. We provided them with action for progress, it is only by looking at downloadable communication kits enriched with the results of the schemes carried out by new tools. 80% of users were satisfied, and the local authorities with their partners that we initiative gave rise to a high rate of recommendation. will be able to mobilise the different actors In a survey conducted in November 2011, 84% of over the long term.
Table of contents 3 The national waste prevention plan The National Waste Prevention Plan, adopted in 2004, aims to make “the French as aware of prevention as they are of recycling”. The implementation of the plan has been guided since 2009 by a group under the National Waste Council that brings together representatives of central government administrations, local authorities, industrial companies, retail distributors, waste professionals, and consumer and environmental protection associations. This national plan is currently being revised to integrate the mandatory National Background Prevention Plan that EU Member States must adopt by 12 December 2013. At the European level of local waste plans and programmes or the The European regulatory framework defines introduction of “pay as you throw” (PAYT) waste prevention as all the measures taken systems. In parallel the law establishes for 2012 before a substance, material or product becomes an overall reduction objective of 15% for waste waste, when these measures contribute to sent to incinerators or landfill storage, so as to reducing at least one of the following: conserve resources and prevent pollution. 1 1 the amount of waste generated, including The law of 12 July 2010 (known as the Grenelle measures for reuse(1) and steps to extend the 2 legislation) makes it mandatory for local life span of substances, materials or products, authorities responsible for waste collection 1 and treatment to set up a local prevention the adverse impact of waste on the programme as from 1 January 2012. These environment and human health, schemes have a broader scope than under the 1 the content of substances that are harmful Grenelle 1 legislation, covering all household for the environment and human health in and similar waste, including occasional and materials or products. bulky waste. Pursuing the objective of decoupling waste 1 The regulatory texts pertaining to the generation from gross domestic product (GDP) application of the Grenelle 2 legislation and the by 2020, the Waste Framework Directive order of 17 December 2010 transposing the 2008/98/EC reinforced the priority given to Waste Framework Directive are contained in waste prevention since 1991. It is also stipulated the government decree of 11 July 2011. that waste prevention programmes must be set 1 The national reduction target for “routine” up by Member States within a period of five household and similar waste is stated in a note years. This directive was transposed into French issued in December 2011 by the Ministry law on 17 December 2010. for Ecology and Sustainable Development(3), specifying an average per capita reduction of At the national level 390 kg in 2008 and 362 kg in 2013. This note 1 The concept of prevention was introduced also contains the recommended conventions in the 1992 waste law in order to “prevent for calculating the reduction of household or reduce the generation and harmfulness waste at the local level. of waste, in particular by acting on product manufacture and distribution”. Management plans 1 The law enacted on 3 August 2009 (known include prevention as the Grenelle 1 legislation) confirms the With the Grenelle 2 legislation and the transposition of the priority accorded to waste prevention while European directive the local Plan for the Disposal of Total emphasising ecodesign for products, from Household and Similar Waste (Plan d’élimination des déchets ménagers et assimilés, PEDMA) has evolved to become a Plan for manufacturing to the end of the product's life. the Prevention and Management of Non-Hazardous Waste. This This law sets the objective of reducing per plan must, among others: capita production of “routine” household 1 compile a list of local prevention programmes for total household and similar waste, and similar waste (not including occasional 1 set quantitative and qualitative prevention objectives for the waste and bulky items) by 7% over the waste generated. (2) Plans applicable to construction and demolition waste and to next five years . To reach this goal the law hazardous waste also become prevention and management plans. proposes measures such as the generalisation
Extraction Transport Sorting Recovery Manufacturing Distribution Purchases Reuse Collection Recycling Disposal
Source reduction Responsible consumption
Waste minimisation
WASTE PREVENTION WASTE MANAGEMENT
(1) Reuse: all operations by which substances, materials or products that are not waste are reused for a purpose identical to that for which they were originally designed. (2) See the Definitions section for detailed explanations of the waste categories and terminology used in France. 4 Table of contents (3) Commissariat Général au Développement Durable (CGDD), Le point sur… no. 107, décembre 2011 Facts and figures
Overall data on consumption Waste collected by public of materials: room for progress services: a steady increase Material productivity, the ratio between a from 1960 to 2006 country’s GDP and the materials consumed, Since 2000 the amount of municipal solid waste is an indicator of the sustainability of an has been increasing at the same rate as GDP. economy, linking economic growth and This trend is explained by the development 14 t per the related environmental impact due of separate collection and civic amenity sites. to use of natural resources and raw Consequently generation of municipal waste capita materials. This figure has risen by 29% has not been decoupled from GDP. quantity of materials consumed per person since 1990 in France. This increase reflects in France in 2008 a fact: more added value is produced per unit of materials consumed. Amount of municipal waste collected This observation must be put in perspective Base 100 in 1995 130 however. This progress notwithstanding, the GDP amount of materials consumed still stood 125 at 14 tonnes per capita in 2008, and due to rising production has not diminished in 17 120 Municipal years. Furthermore, the increase in imported solid waste materials and products involves resources 115 consumed abroad that are not accounted for in this figure (energy for manufacturing, transport). 110 Population This trend must be seen in this context. 105
100 Material productivity and domestic materials consumption per capita 95 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 France métropolitaine et Dom. Population en milieu d’année, PIB en euros 2000. Base 100 in 1990 Source: Ifen - ADEME - Insee, Comptes nationaux, 2008 140 Material productivity 130
120 Household waste per capita 1960- 110 Materials consumed 2009 (excluding civic amenity sites) The amount of household waste generated per capita 100 doubled between 1960 and 2005. This increase is driven by new technology (cell phones, cars, etc.) and 90 Materials consumed by the emergence of new modes of consumption per capita (preweighed and prepackaged products). Starting 80 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 in 2005 a slight diminution is seen, but this must be considered along with a very sharp increase in the Source: SOeS - Insee, 2011. Métropole et Dom. waste brought to civic amenity sites. The decrease must be seen in this context.
For further information Definitions and acronyms, page 27 Chiffres clés Déchets, édition 2012, ADEME, www.ademe.fr/publications
Table of contents 5 Facts and figures (cont.)
Waste collected by public services: Breakdown of waste collected by mode of collection an overall stabilisation that needs Kg/person/year to be confirmed 350 Public services in France collected 37.8 million 300 37.8 Mt tonnes of total household and similar waste(1) total household in 2009, the equivalent of 588 kg per person 250 and similar waste collected by public and per year. Routine household and similar 200 services waste (excluding green waste, inert and bulky 150 items) represents nearly two-thirds of the total (24 million tonnes, or 374 kg/person/year), 100 while 28% of waste (approximately 184 kg/ 50 person/year) comes from civic amenity sites (of 0 which there are more than 4,500 in France). Residual Glass Civic amenity (1) Waste generated by economic activities that is collected along with household waste Dry recyclables sites household waste, plus occasional and non-routine waste, bulky items, and ■ 2005 ■ 2007 ■ 2009 waste brought to civic amenity sites. Source: ADEME - Enquête Collecte 2009 Breakdown of total household The average amount of total household and and similar waste by type of waste similar waste collected is 588 kg per person and 17% Recyclable per year; this figure encompasses geographic materials 10% 13% Green waste differences that are in part due to local eco- Bulky items and biowaste nomic activity and tourism. 9% Inert waste Collection of household and similar waste by geographic department
51% Residual household waste Source: ADEME - Enquête Collecte 2009 Waste collection performance - 4% The drop in residual household waste tonnage drop in routine continued from 2007 to 2009, whereas the household and amount of waste brought to civic amenity sites similar waste between 2007 kept on rising, while the number of civic amenity and 2009 sites was steady. Total household and similar waste (including occasional and bulky waste) remained stable while overall tonnage of routine household and similar waste fell by about 4% between 2007 and 2009. This particularly sharp drop (18 kg) is a trend in the targeted direction, but is due at least in part to the economic conditions of 2009, which saw GDP shrink ■ Under 550 kg/person ■ 550-600 kg/person by 2.6% and household consumption of non- ■ 600-650 kg/person ■ Over 650 kg/person durable goods stagnate. Source: ADEME - Enquête Collecte 2009 Source: CGDD, Le point sur… no. 107, décembre 2011 Trends in waste collection 2007-2009 For further information Service observation et statistiques de l’environnement 2007 2009 Trend (SOeS) www.statistiques.developpement-durable.gouv.fr Routine household 391 kg/ 374 kg/ Les déchets en chiffres en France, ADEME - 4% and similar waste person/year person/year www.ademe.fr/publications La collecte des déchets par le service public en France, Total household and 594 kg/ 588 kg/ ADEME - 1% www.ademe.fr/publications similar waste person/year person/year www.sinoe.org Definitions and acronyms p. 27 6 Table of contents Waste generated by economic activities A substantial and heterogeneous waste stream Waste generated by economic activities repre- are also found in household waste collected sents a significant proportion of all waste by public services. These wastes represent produced in France. Overall statistical trends 22% of residual household waste by weight, i.e. are hard to distinguish, due to the diversity of 4.4 million tonnes in 2007 (Modecom™ waste businesses (in size and in type of activity), the characterisation survey, 2009). The graph below kinds of prevention efforts deployed, changes presents data excerpted from the French in industry and falling industrial activity. In submission under the European Regulation on addition, methodologies for obtaining statis- waste statistics, updated every two years. Some tical data have changed (between 2004 and kinds of waste, for the most part recovered 2006 for industrial waste, between 2006 and for their economic value, are not included in 2008 for construction and demolition waste). these figures: organic waste from agriculture, It should also be noted that many types including forestry (about 373 million tonnes), of waste generated by economic activities by-products of agricultural and food processing (hazardous waste, inert waste, organic matter) industries (over 40 million tonnes).
Waste from economic activities in France in 2006 and 2008 (million of tonnes)
Mineral waste Non-mineral non-hazardous waste 2006 0 0.83 0.39 1.22 Hazardous waste Agriculture/Fishery 2008 0 0.91 0.40 1.31 Total 2006 2.73 20.17 3.34 26.24 Industry 2008 2.58 18.44 2.82 23.84
(1) 347.50 8.47 2.91 Construction 2006 358.88 2008 238.15 12.37 2.52 253.04 2006 0.07 22.06 2.03 24.16 Tertiary sector 2008 0.53 21.70 1.97 24.20
(1) The method for calculating construction waste was modified between 2006 and 2008, excluding worksite cuttings (excavated soils used at the site where they are produced). Source: SOeS, Chiffres et statistiques no. 179, décembre 2010
Non-hazardous waste from Waste prevention, a growing practice manufacturing: decreasing tonnage in manufacturing 14 million tonnes: while this is still a substantial The notion of reducing waste upstream figure, the amount of non-hazardous and non- is gaining ground in industry. A survey of mineral waste by weight produced by the non-hazardous waste production in industry manufacturing industry in 2008 shows a sharp (excluding agri-food processing) carried out by drop (establishments with 20 or more employees, the national statistics institute (INSEE) in 2008 not including agri-food processing). This tonnage showed that 19% of companies queried had was 5.6% lower than in 2006, and was falling more taken steps to prevent waste, and 55% wanted rapidly than industrial production as measured to do so. The action taken in these companies by the industrial production index (-1%). These focuses on reducing scraps, losses and discards. figures reveal that waste management is an Awareness of waste prevention and the nature environmental concern for many companies: 90% of the action undertaken are directly correlated of enterprises have a specific in-house organisation to the size of the company. The smallest enter- for managing and reducing waste. Nonetheless prises are the most reticent to set up waste 17% of companies find that waste management prevention or recycling measures. is a constraint, a feeling that is more common in small businesses.
Source: Insee, Enquête déchets - 2008, www.insee.fr Source: Insee, Enquête déchets - 2008, www.insee.fr
Table of contents 7 Facts and figures (cont.)
Biowaste: source separation is mandatory A close look at construction and demolition for large producers waste Production of biowaste (excluding garden and Construction waste accounts for a great deal park waste) is estimated at 2,382 kt/year in France. of non-hazardous waste. This waste is estimated The sectors that produce the most biowaste are at 254 million tonnes, equal to 73.6% of all restaurants, canteens and catering, with 1,080 kt, waste generated by commercial activity, in a followed by food sales (750 kt), large local open- survey carried out in October 2010 by the air food markets (300 kt), the agri-food processing Observation and Statistics office (SOeS) of industry (150 kt) and lastly wholesale markets the Ministry for Sustainable Development. (100 kt). This survey was the first to cover the entire New regulations have been adopted to reduce construction sector. Inert waste represented these amounts and improve management 239 million tonnes and non-hazardous waste of biowaste. A waste treatment hierarchy – close to 14 million tonnes, one-third of which prevention, recycling, recovery – is defined in is generated by building finishing contractors. government decree no. 2011-828 of 11July 2011(1). Public works generate 84% of waste in this The waste hierarchy requires that large producers sector, while they represent 22% of overall sales. of biowaste sort and recover their biowaste. Source: SOeS, Chiffres et statistiques no. 164, octobre 2010 The timetable for application of this obligation is specified in an order dated 12 July 2011 that stipulates the annual thresholds of biowaste and used cooking oils above which producers must separate the waste at the source and process it 37.8 Mt for resource recovery (from 120 t/yr in 2012 to total 10 t/yr in 2006 for biowaste; from 1,500 l/yr in household and 2012 to 60 l/yr in 2016 for cooking oils). Details similar waste of application are contained in a circular dated 10 January 2012. While these regulations are drawn up in support 254 Mt of the overall objective of returning high-quality construction organic material to soils, reminders of the and demolition importance of prevention and even more the waste existence of regulatory thresholds could give companies even stronger incentives to look for ways to generate less waste in order to cut costs. (1) Referring in particular to the Waste Framework Directive 2008-98- EC, transposed by order 2010-1079 in December 2010.
24 Mt For further information tertiary sector waste • Circular of 10 January 2012 pertaining to application of mandatory source separation of biowaste by large producers (article L 541-21-1 of the French Environment Code). • Section on recovering value from organic waste, Optigede website: http://optigede.ademe.fr/ valorisation-des-dechets-organiques 24 Mt industrial waste
Source: SOeS, Chiffres et statistiques no. 179, décembre 2010
8 Table of contents Raising awareness of waste prevention
Prevention practices commonly applied What is the behaviour of the French population with respect to preventing household waste? To track trends in prevention practices ADEME has instituted a biannual survey using face-to-face interviews with young people in France (under 15 years of age), and telephone interviews with people over 15 (quotas method).
Respondents under the age of 15: practices are better identified, adopted
The survey of 800 youths between the ages Overall indicator of awareness of waste 61% of 6 and 14 contains two important findings. of under 15s state Young people have more detailed and precise prevention (based on 10 practices that they donate knowledge than the rest of the population about specific to youths age 6-14) or resell their toys practices that reduce waste. They also adopt certain measures in significant proportions: rechargeable batteries (38% compared to 33% 54 % in 2009), reusable water bottles (24% vs. 14% in 2009), writing on both sides of paper (70% vs. 53 % 70% 64% in 2009), donation or resale of unused toys of under 15s state (61% vs. 54% in 2009). Although the systematic that they write 59 % on both sides purchase of used toys or books is adopted only of paper by a minority, this practice appeals to more young people than in the past (20% in 2009, up ■ 2007 Index ■ 2009 Index ■ 2011 Index by 5 points).
Trends in a few figures 49% of people in France state they can easily identify products without superfluous packaging when they do their shopping(1). 53% state that they pay attention to the amount of waste generated when purchasing mass consumer goods(1). Inversely, 40% state that they never pay attention to this waste(2). 54% of people in France consider that “responsible” consumption means buying what is needed, and avoiding waste(2).This is a strong trend, confirmed by another survey in which 57% of respondents associate the notion of “sustainable consumption” with limiting wastage and not consuming unnecessary products(1). 13% of people in France feel that rising household waste is the most serious environmental problem we face (natural disasters, air pollution, global warming and water pollution are ranked first by between 15 and 18% of respondents)(2). Sources: (1) Enquête ADEME - CREDOC "Attitudes et comportements des Français face à l'environnement" (2) “Opinions et pratiques environnementales des Français en 2011”, Chiffres et statistiques no. 299, mars 2012
Table of contents 9 Raising awareness of waste prevention (cont.)
Respondents over the age of 15: long-standing habits, a drop in waste-prevention purchasing practices
This survey was conducted with a sample of that brings down the overall rating. By contrast 1,000 people over the age of 15. Survey ques certain waste reduction practices appear to be tions pertained to awareness and implementa- taking root, in particular consumption of tap tion of environmentally friendly practices and water as opposed to bottled water (54% of behaviour in relation to waste prevention. The respondents reply “always or nearly always”, figures show a stagnation, and even a reverse up by 14% since 2005) and more frequent in the trend to prefer low-waste purchases, purchases of used goods.
Environmentally friendly behaviour and purchases to prevent waste
61% 57% 60% 59% 55% 54% 53% 51% 49% 50% 50% 46%
88% of people in France report that they Environmentally Environmentally Overall waste prevention have heard of friendly purchases friendly behaviour awareness indicator practices to reduce waste ■ 2005 Index ■ 2007 Index ■ 2009 Index ■ 2011 Index Sources: LH2 (oct. 2005), Ifop (avril 2007, janv. 2009, avril 2011) – Indexes 2005 to 2011 updated using 2011 method
Always or nearly always drink tap water For further information Raising awareness of waste prevention October 2005 40% • Report summary • Full report: People under 15 in France April 2007 47% • Full report: People over 15 in France www.ademe.fr/dechets/reduirelesdechets January 2009 54% www.statistiques.developpement- durable.gouv.fr/publications/p/1941/1296/ opinions-pratiques-environnementales- April 2011 54% francais-2011.html
Have you already heard about steps or practices Have you already heard about steps or practices that to reduce the amount of household waste? help lower the hazards that household waste poses for the environment? 50% 50% YES 50% 36% 88% 19% 36% 36% 19% 19% YES 57%
6% 6% 6% 6% 24% 21% 6% 6% 38% 38% 24%38% 21%24% 21%
■ Yes, a lot ■ Yes, a little ■ No, not much ■ No, not at all ■ Yes, a lot ■ Yes, a little ■ ■No, Yes, not a muchlot ■ Yes,■ No, a little not at ■ all No, not much ■ No, not at all 88% of respondents reply that they have already heard of steps 57% of respondents claim to know steps or practices that reduce or practices to reduce the amount of household waste (up 9 points the hazardous nature of household waste. The proportion of over 2005). While this proportion of knowledgeable respondents respondents who “have heard a lot” about these steps or practices appears to have reached a plateau, the proportion of those who continues to rise, from 13% in 2005 to 21% in 2011. “have heard a lot” about these practices has risen steadily over the last six years (from 39% in 2005 to 50% in 2011).
10 Table of contents Current events in Europe
In January 2011 the European Commission emphasised efficient use of resources in the elaboration of European policies(1). In addition to sectoral targets, in September of the same year a roadmap was published, setting benchmarks for action to be undertaken to achieve the 2050 goal of a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy(2).
Roadmap for a resource-efficient economy The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) estimates that resource use must be made 4 to 10 times more efficient 1 Need to increase resource by 2050. To achieve this economic growth and efficiency by a factor of 4 to 10 consumption of natural resources must be by 2050 decoupled. There is no alternative to finding a new 1 development model, according to Janez Potocnik, Europe generates 3 billion European Commissioner for the Environment, tonnes of rubbish a year who has stated that “green growth is the only 1 Food processing, construction sustainable solution for the future of Europe and the and transport account for 3/4 of world”. negative environmental impacts Three sectors are identified for priority action: food processing, construction and transport. These three sectors alone account for some three-quarters of negative environmental impacts. Three billion tonnes of waste are generated in and new technology, more comprehensive offers Europe each year. While 40% of this waste can be in education, training and information services, recovered thanks to an effective recycling industry etc. These levers will foster rational and optimum in Europe, this proportion is not enough, especially resource use. They are indispensable, but without as waste generation continues to rise. The first step broad implication of consumers they will remain is to bring this increase under control, and then ineffective. to reverse the trend. The roadmap proposes a series of measures to be implemented: economic (1) Flagship initiative proposal to Parliament, “A resource-efficient Europe – Flagship initiative under the Europe 2020 Strategy”, incentives, environmental quality labels, stepped- 26 January 2011, COM(2011) 21 up research, public and private investment in R&D (2) Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe, COM(2011)571 For further information http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ resource_efficiency/index_en.htm
European Parliament Resolution on food wastage Up to 50% of edible and healthy food is wasted each year in the European Union. The agriculture committee of the European Parliament raised the alarm on 23 November 2011 and called for urgent measures to cut food and drink wastage by 50% by 2025, and to provide better access to food for those most in need. The European Parliament adopted this resolution on 19 January 2012, along with a list of possible measures to be taken. “We can not afford to stand idly by while perfectly edible food is being wasted. This is an ethical but also an economic and social problem, with huge implications for the environment”, emphasised rapporteur Salvatore Caronna prior to the vote. This parliamentary resolution does not have the force of law, and we will have to wait for validation by the European Executive to For further information http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc. turn these proposals into concrete measures. do?type=TA&reference=P7-TA-2012-0014&language=EN
Table of contents 11 Current events in Europe (cont.)
“Generation Awake”: European projects increasing consumer for waste prevention: responsibility a broad array In the framework of the roadmap the European Union set up a communication Forwast campaign in October 2011 aimed at Launched under the 6th encouraging European consumers to European Framework adopt responsible consumer habits and Programme, the objec behaviour. Under the slogan “Generation Awake tive of Forwast is to – Your choices make a world of difference”, analyse and understand material flows this campaign intends to raise consumers’ and the environmental impacts of their awareness regarding their product choices. In a life cycles, from raw material to the cheerful and humorous musical video lasting 45 state of waste. seconds three sacks of groceries take to song http://forwast.brgm.fr to query their respective shoppers as to the necessity of the products they have bought. The “Awake Consumption Guide” can also Greencook be downloaded from the site. It gives simple GreenCook is aimed at tips for acting more responsibly in day-to-day reducing food wastage routines and purchases. and at making the EU This new campaign, both playful and instructive, a model of sustainable food manage- reflects the EU's determination to promote and ment, by in-depth work on the con- advocate waste prevention by consumers. sumer/food relationship. Four sectors are targeted: food at home, restaurants, institutional food services (canteens) For further information and retail distribution. www.generationawake.eu http://www.green-cook.org
Miniwaste Miniwaste aims to implement and evaluate the best ways to reduce organic biowaste generated in homes and group settings (day-care centres, schools, etc.). http://www.miniwaste.eu
Prewaste Prewaste proposes guidelines, examples of actions and tools for monitoring and evaluating local waste prevention plans. http://www.prewaste.eu
© European Union, 1995-2012
12 Table of contents 3 questions for…
Bruno Maresca Research director, head of the public policy evalua- tion department, Centre de Recherche pour l’Etude et l’Observation des Condi- tions de Vie (CREDOC)
The amount of waste collected by public services is falling in large cities in France; what are the reasons for this? The volume of waste generated in large French cities (Paris, Lille, Lyon) has been falling since the start of the 2000 decade. But we cannot call this a real diminution of the amounts generated. This phenomenon reflects better handling of waste thanks to diversification of collection circuits and modes of treatment. Some of the waste stream (from households and economic activities) is now collected by private entities, thereby inducing a drop in the tonnage collected by municipalities. Some local authorities have misdiagnosed this, erroneously attributing this decrease solely to greater awareness on the part of residents. In my view, even if people in France declare that they are ready to change their behaviour, we have very few quantitative elements to support the affirmation that they are effectively paying more attention to reducing waste at the source.
Do tonnages collected vary from one city to another in France, or even within the Paris-area waste collection district(1)? The same trend is seen, more or less, in large cities in France, with tonnage falling by 5 to 7%. As for Paris and its arrondissements, waste generation varies substantially between the inner centre (arrondissements 1 to 8) where tourism and economic activities are concentrated, and the outer ring of arrondissements that are much more residential. In the inner centre the amount of waste collected annually is 1,500 kg per resident, while it can be under 400 kg per resident in the outlying arrondissements. Waste production is significantly affected by the mix of functions in a territory and the presence or absence of economic activities.
What are the foreseeable trends in waste tonnage, in your opinion? We have not conducted a nation-wide study but forecasts for the Paris metro area confirm a drop in tonnage that is more marked in the city of Paris than in other municipalities in the waste collection district. This decrease in tonnage collected in Paris is probably due in part to a greater proportion of businesses that contract with private services for waste collection. This trend could be accentuated by more restrictive regulations or the creation of fee-based incentives. Meanwhile, even if it is still too early to look at the effects of local prevention plans and programmes, all these measures taken together should help limit waste production. Pro-active public policies such as “upstream” action to steer consumers to products that generate less waste could also have an effect on this trend.
(1) Bruno Maresca has studied waste production in the Paris waste collection district (Syctom) comprising 84 local authorities in the Paris metro area (the city of Paris and surrounding municipalities in the Yvelines, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne departments).
Table of contents 13 Prevention plans and programmes in 2011
A high degree of mobilisation! Local prevention plans by department Percentage of population covered (2011) The prevention plans and programmes framework set up in January 2009 has already had broad effects. To date 345 local programmes have started up, serving close to 39 million residents, and 45 territorial plans have been set up in 25 regions; all together these waste prevention schemes cover 61% of the French population.
Implication of elected officials, the key to success “In our experience with a variety of schemes we have very clearly seen that prevention plans and programmes will bear fruit only if elected officials are truly involved and push the project. Working with a prevention plan or programme manager, the role of
elected officials is to mobilise their own staff as well as Percentage of population residents and project partners to ensure success. Their covered (2011) constituents are sure to attribute the major economic > 80% 50%-80% and social benefits of this success to their elected 30%-50% officials – a win-win situation!” 0-30% Étienne Le Roy Ademe Task officer
Departmental prevention plan Local prevention programme Planned/objectives Operational/action Intermunicipal public bodies, associated municipalities, metropolitan Beneficiaries Departmental govt. council area authorities, etc. Main At least 80% of the population covered 7% reduction in routine household and similar waste over 5 years objective by programmes • Networking of local authorities that • Raise public awareness of waste prevention (eco-responsible purchasing, introduce programmes awareness activities with school groups, etc.) • Awareness of waste prevention • Create exemplary local services Related • Serve as model: in-house, in works • Take part in emblematic national operations (Stop Pub, composting, etc.) objectives procurement (buildings and public works, • Avoid waste generation (via repairs, reuse, etc.) social and cultural services, economic • Support businesses in their efforts to reduce waste and limit hazardous waste activities, etc.) • Monitoring and evaluation
14 Table of contents Education and training for prevention plans and programmes The prevention plans and programmes framework includes a major focus on training for actors. In 2011: 1 845 participants attended 59 sessions (an increase of 25% over 2010) 1 close to 1,700 participants attended the half-day awareness module for elected officials.
For further information www.ademe.fr/formations
Optigede.ademe.fr: tools and examples for action The Optigede website provides tools Optigede in figures since 2011 and examples of action programmes 1 290 technicians and task officers registered for task officers and technicians in charge of waste prevention and management, in 1 230 operations posted, including 55 under the local government and in companies. prevention plans and programmes framework 1 These tools and methods are designed for 1 4,000 visits per month, an RSS feed and newsletter operational needs and are ready to use (http:// optigede.ademe.fr/prevention) 1 Examples of action (http://optigede.ademe. fr/partage) are posted online by actors themselves, local authorities, companies, not- for-profit groups etc. who want to publicise For further information their action. www.optigede.ademe.fr The Optigede website is regularly updated and To subscribe to the free newsletter: enhanced to accompany waste prevention and http://optigede.ademe.fr/newsletter/subscriptions RSS feed: http://optigede.ademe.fr/actualites_promues management policy in territories around the country.
NEW Toolbox The methodological Via the Optigede website ADEME offers different toolkits to companies, handbook Elaborer un local authorities and other project leaders for the implementation of waste plan ou programme de prevention measures. prévention des déchets Among these toolkits: is available online. 1 Déchets des Entreprises (Business Waste). Experience and feedback pertaining Initially distributed on CD- to business waste, methodological information sheets, tools, etc. Aimed at ROM, the updated version professional networks and prevention programme managers, this toolkit is of this handbook for drawing designed to facilitate and demonstrate the advantages of collective operations up a waste prevention plan or among SME/SMIs. programme is now available 1 Opérations Témoins (Model Operations). The objective of these accounts free of charge on and achievements backed by testimonials is to raise awareness of waste the Internet. prevention in homes, schools, artisan and retail commercial activities. To consult the handbook: Turnkey tools are provided for setting up a “model” operation: recruiting www.ademe.fr/publications volunteers, tracking action and communicating on the operation and its Réf. 7648 results. 1 Stop Pub. Project entrepreneurs find information here on the 10 key stages for implementing a Stop Pub operation. Stop Pub is an often cited and emblematic example of action under the national waste prevention plan deployed by ADEME. The full set of tools can be found at: www.optigede.ademe.fr Table of contents 15 Encouraging prevention Réduisons vite nos déchets, ça déborde (Let’s cut waste – the bin is overflowing) – campaign results are once again very positive
The national communication campaign to promote waste reduction once again met with success in 2011. Initiated in 2009 by ADEME and the Ministry for Sustainable Development, the objective is to encourage the broad French public to take action. The campaign is aimed at local authorities and companies, as well as at general audiences.
The most recent post- The media campaign was reinforced to reach campaign poll to survey professional audiences, in particular companies. the reaction of the general Six new short television, radio and Web public was conducted sequences entitled ENTRE(…)PRISES DE with a representative CONSCIENCE were introduced, bringing to sample of 1,000 people, 14 the number of videos inciting professionals with the following results: to take action, based on results and feedback the campaign was highly from companies that have successfully reduced appreciated (an average their waste. approval rating of 89% New examples of steps taken by companies for television messages) and local authorities were posted online on reduisonsnosdechets.fr and respondents found the campaign’s own website and presented Over 1,573,000 site visits and it informative, useful and in “infomercials”, editorial content in paid 4,733,000 pages viewed since motivating. For 82% of advertisements. Businesses and local authorities the site has been online. respondents the campaign could also download a dedicated communication “gives concrete solutions” toolkit enhanced with new tools. and for 84% “incentives for action”. This campaign continues to be much appreciated In 2011 a new measure with a strong impact by professionals. A qualitative survey in on waste reduction (-13 kg per person and December 2011 of 300 SMEs in the Corporate per year) was highlighted, with a message audience segment showed that the campaign encouraging consumers to sell or give away had good approval ratings (79% of respondents items in good condition that they no longer liked the short videos, for instance) and for 86% need or want. This measure, emphasised in TV the campaign “got them thinking”. All in all nine and radio messages, press announcements and out of ten professionals felt that the campaign Web banners, is now the fifth priority waste encouraged action. reduction measure to be promoted, alternating in the media with the preceding four measures, i.e. choosing products with less packaging, home composting, cutting back on printing, and halting food wastage. In November 2012 ADEME and the Minis- try for Sustainable Development once again take the stage to promote environmental practices and examples to follow for waste To download the communication kit: reduction during the European Week for www.reduisonsnosdechets.fr Waste Reduction (EWWR). “Collectivités ou Entreprises” tab
16 Table of contents EWWR continues to break records! For its third edition the European Week for using the same methodologies to Waste Reduction (EWWR) continued to break set up operations and sharing the records in 2011, registering in the week of objective of highlighting their real 19-27 November 7,035 activities to increase impact on waste reduction. More awareness of waste reduction in Europe. than 50 of these activities designed In 2011, two organisers joined the project, taking to estimate avoided waste were the number of countries with an organiser programmed in Europe. to 20 and the total number of countries with In France 3,452 activities were actions to 32. conducted by over 740 project At the national levels, the EWWR took place in developers around the country. Companies Germany, Andorra, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, participated on a much larger scale than ever France, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, before in 2011. There were twice as many Slovenia, Sweden and the Dominican Republic. companies as in 2010, and they represented more than 50% of EWWR project developers. At regional and local levels, EWWR was also organised in the Canton of Sarajevo in Bosnia- Project developers in France Herzegovina, as well as in the Brazilian region of Minas Gerais. 2009 2011
Projects from other countries were registered, 43% 1% 33% notably from Greece, Hungary, 2% Norway, Poland, Romania, 8% 11% Turkey, Saudi Arabia, among others. 21% The leading events in 2011 23% 53% were the “Common Actions” ■ Govt. administration/public authority ■ Business/industry ■ Association/NGO ■ Educational establishment ■ Other (hospital, retirement home, cultural institution, etc.)
EWWR Actions in Actions in Organising Countries For further information France Europe authorities with actions www.ewwr.eu 2009 1,313 2,672 20 14 www.reduisonsnosdechets.fr/serd/ presentation-objectifs.html 2010 1,960 4,346 32 24 2011 3,452 7,035 34 32 ©DCRP ville de Saint-Ouen
A conference for the dissemination of good practices The national conference on Waste Prevention and Management in Local Territories (21-23 June 2011) chose as its venue Nantes, the capital of the Pays de la Loire region well known for its dynamic action in favour of sustainable development. Focusing on good practices to be adopted to achieve the waste objectives set forth at the Grenelle forum, this year’s conference was attended by over 750 participants from local authorities, waste treatment professions and not-for-profit groups. The programme included three sections devoted to respectively Waste Prevention, Collection, and Organic Waste, and nine thematic workshops. Many field specialists were on hand to answer questions: How can we act? What are the best steps to take? Following what approach? With what resources? Reflecting the growing interest for this topic, the Waste Prevention section drew the largest audiences for its three workshops: 1 Prevention plans and programmes: ways to optimise this approach 1 Ways to mobilise territorial actors over the long term 1 Ways to promote behaviour and purchases that generate less waste.
For further information The compiled communications can be downloaded from the ADEME website via the following link: http://www2.ademe.fr/servlet/getDoc?id=75881&cid=9 6&m=3&p1=3&ref=17205 Table of contents 17 Focus on…
2011: solid advances for environmental information Dissemination of environmental information about repositories of good practices for nine categories products was put into practice in 2011. As of of products. Detailed rules for calculating environ- 1 July 2011, 168 companies (Nestlé, Danone, Leroy mental indicators to be displayed or published have Merlin, among others) began to display information been established for footwear (men's dress shoes), on the environmental impacts of several hundred sport backpacks, shampoo, upholstered seats, toilet products, in a wide range of sectors: foodstuffs, paper, rackets, television sets, bedding and wooden electrical and electronic devices, furniture, sport- furniture. ing goods, textiles, paper products, etc. This envi- This work continues in 2012. Three more sectoral ronmental information is displayed on packaging, repositories have been validated since the beginning websites or at points of sale, and will be available of the year, for tennis, squash and paddle-ball balls, to consumers for at least a year. Pursuing harmo- badminton shuttlecocks and disposable nappies. nisation, after revision of cross-sectoral methodo- The generic database for environmental assess- logical rules under BP X30-323-0 in early 2011, ment of products now has a digital structure that the ADEME/AFNOR platform now posts sectoral is accepting initial data on materials and processes.
For further information http://affichage-environnemental.afnor.org
“Pay as you throw” (PAYT) systems are gaining ground The “polluter pays” principle applied to consumers – from ADEME, in 2010 an additional 57 local this is one way to define, “pay as you throw” systems, authorities covering 1.6 million people had adopted an objective of the Grenelle environmental forum. The this rate structure, and 127 others were carrying out mechanism is simple: a household that produces less preliminary studies. waste will pay less for disposal. In 2011 this impetus remained strong, despite a Before the Grenelle conference some 30 local decrease in financial support. authorities (covering a population of about 600,000) As of this writing 101 local authorities apply pricing had instituted PAYT for waste collection. Driven by incentives (3.2 million people) and 203 authorities support at the national level and financial assistance (6.6 million people) are looking at this option.
Breakdown of local authorities by stage of Population covered by PAYT in different stages implementation of PAYT (total since 2009) of implementation (total since 2009)
101 3,200,000
30 600,000
203 6,600,000
■ Set up before Grenelle ■ Implementation underway ■ Implementation under study
18 Table of contents Distribution in bulk: a developing practice in need of an environmental assessment With the group Graines de Changement ADEME conducted a study outlining the current situation of retail distribution in bulk quantities (non pre- packaged) and analysing the obstacles and ways to leverage development of this practice. At a time when reducing packaging is an important issue for consumers, two arguments are put forward by the advocates of bulk sales: 1 an economic argument: products are sold at a lower price, and consumers can buy only the desired quantity, 1 an environmental argument: reduction of packaging waste at the source. Bulk distribution for retail sales is proposed in multiple forms and applications: perfume “fountains” set up by the Kenzo brand allow consumers to refill dispensers at the store; the “Self-Discount” section of Auchan stores offers dry foodstuffs at lower
prices; the organic foods “bulk bar” at Biocoop ©Shutterstock stores, etc. As bulk distribution is still very much a minority year), the overall environmental impact of this phenomenon, the logistics involved are not trend is not yet known. Products must be analysed sufficiently optimised. Bulk distribution counters over their entire life cycle, taking into account must be strictly managed and maintained to prevent key parameters such as the impact on logistics, health risks and ensure success with consumers. containers made available to purchasers, consumer While some brands and distributors can document behaviour regarding the products, and in-store their savings in terms of packaging (Le Chat laundry losses. Objective reference data in these areas is soaps claims 17.5 tonnes in avoid packaging per not currently available.
25 proposals for sustainable consumption The report Pour une consommation durable (In In this context, how can public policy be used to Favour of Sustainable Consumption) published guide our modes of consumption and find the on 28 January by the Centre d’analyse right balance between “consuming better” and stratégique (CAS)(1) announces a verdict “consuming less”? without appeal: “technical progress will not suffice In 25 proposals the CAS report outlines the to meet environmental challenges”. According to pathway to be followed to reach this goal, via the International Energy Agency action to make production “greener” amounts to only half of education, measures to encourage initiatives the efforts required to meet our greenhouse and support innovation, and to ensure ongoing gas reduction objectives. And this does not take monitoring of national policies in favour of into account the “rebound effect” associated with sustainable consumption. All of these suggestions sustainable production: households consume in can be explored and implemented to disseminate more environmentally friendly ways, but they sustainable consumption practices and habits in consume more. French society.
(1) The Centre d’analyse stratégique is an institution under the authority of the French Prime Minister that develops expert knowledge and decision-making aids. Its brief is to help the government establish and implement its strategic orientation in economic, social, environmental and technological domains. For further information www.strategie.gouv.fr/content/note-de-synthese-212-pour-une-politique-de-consommation-durable-en-france
Table of contents 19 Focus on… (cont.)
Single-use carrier sacks: more For instance, in the case of roadway reinforce- to be done in food markets ment work, one contractor's savings were: and small shops 1 87% of new materials, 1 The goal of reducing the use of carrier sacks was 67% of greenhouse gases, launched in 2004, and is a powerful symbol of 1 10% in overall site costs. changing practices. The number of carrier sacks Substantial logistical, economic and environ- given out by major retail chains fell by 90% between mental gains are now accessible with a few 2002 and 2010. In 2011 the total number of carrier clicks! sacks used in France fell below the bar of one For further information billion units (0.96 billion). Today reduction efforts www.optigede.ademe.fr must concentrate on open-air food markets, small speciality shops and neighbourhood stores, while maintaining the results already achieved in larger A roadmap for ecodesign stores. In 2011 ADEME convened a group of Distribution of single-use carrier sacks specialists in ecodesign and industrial ecology. in major retail chains (billions of units) The objective was to identify the research and development work needed to spread ecodesign 12 practices throughout the economy by 2050 and 10 to develop environmentally friendly goods and services. 8 The specialists outlined three approaches to be 6 followed in parallel: sustainable consumption 4 (purchasing of ecodesigned goods and services), sustainable production (environmentally efficient 2 industry and industrial ecology), and business 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 models that are more considerate of the Source: Eco-Emballages, octobre 2011 environment (innovative sales strategies, economy of functionalities, among others). A toolbox for the construction Specific research directions were identified for and public works sector each of these approaches: How can quantifiable goals be set for waste 1 technological research at each stage of the reduction? What alternative construction meth- product or service life cycle (products that ods can be offered? How can material flows use fewer raw materials, materials that have and waste generation be optimised? What are lesser impacts, logistics, recyclability, etc.), the best ways to manage work sites? To help 1 development of tools and methods to help building and public works contractors con- companies integrate ecodesign practices front these issues ADEME conducted a study (software, legal advice, marketing), in France and abroad. The result is a practical 1 new modes of governance to establish durable toolbox that includes confidence between actors, focusing on 1 9 sets of recommendations containing accompanying change, managing confidential examples of solutions that can be tailored to information, testing software to pool and specific companies or key aspects of work exchange information within industrial ecology site management, projects. 1 20 feedback data sheets that list the technical, The assessment of the working group economic and environmental advantages of underscores that progress in terms of methods, each action. organisation and governance must accompany Beyond the constraints that waste reduction technological advances, to take into account the can impose, this toolbox highlights the consid- multiple criteria of the environmental impact of erable benefits that can be reaped by builders products and services, from the design phase and contractors. and throughout the entire life cycle.
20 Table of contents Action in the field
The Nar Smictom(1) and the Model Businesses operation The intermunicipal waste management syndicate the recommendations of a charter (Smictom) in the vicinity of the city of Redon (Ille- drawn up in February 2011, aimed et-Vilaine department) has set up a voluntary at reducing and better managing partnership with 23 companies in its district to waste (prevention, recycling, treat- help them reduce their waste. This Model Busi- ment of hazardous substances, nesses initiative spans companies of all sizes, from etc.). One year on came the first 2 to 380 employees, and across a range of activi- assessment. ties, to cover a broad range of reduction practices The most remarkable results were and management operations that can be easily achieved by nine companies who ©SMICTOM du NAR transposed to other companies. Together the together diverted 4.5 tonnes of waste from the company and the local authority elaborated a Smictom collection circuit. The other companies diagnostic tool to estimate the type and quantity registered qualitative progress (mulching kits for of waste generated by each artisan grass cuttings, composting of meal prep- 4.5 tonnes of waste trade and industrial activity. Follow- aration waste, reusable cleaning cloths, up and support measures were diverted from the among others). tailored to each company to accom- Smictom collection (1) Syndicat mixte intercommunal pany deployment. The participating circuit pour la collecte et le traitement For further information companies had one year to apply des ordures ménagères. • The Smictom website: www.smictom-nar.fr • Information sheet on Optigede http://optigede.ademe.fr/fiche/ entreprises-temoins
Build cooperation and consolidate: the keywords for reducing food waste in school lunch rooms
Unconsumed food in school restaurants represents teachers, students, kitchen staff and school health on average 150,000 tonnes of food discarded each personnel if it is to be effective. We work in stages year The not-for-profit group De mon assiette à over several weeks, in the classroom and the lunch notre planète organises educational workshops room, depending on the objectives set with the school. on food, and has worked with 5,500 schoolchil- First of all the students sort and weigh the food waste dren in the Bouches-du-Rhône department since after a meal, to give them an idea of the quantities 2006. In the middle schools visited by the group, that are not consumed. These findings are compiled food wastage has dropped by 30% on average and presented to students to help them think about (from 230 g to 160 g of food left over per person solutions for reducing waste. A month or two later the and per meal). same meal is served (with some changes in season- In the words of ings or presentation) and the waste Anne Didier- is sorted and weighed again to see For further information Pétremant, the how behaviour has changed. At the • The group website director of the end of the workshop an anti-waste www.assiette-planete.fr • Information sheet on Optigede: not-for-profit: charter is drawn up.” http://optigede.ademe.fr/fiche/ atelier-lutte-contre-le-gaspillage- “This action must The director adds that is essen- cantine-programme-manger- be conceived for tial to conduct several sessions in autrement the long term each school in order to consoli- and must unite date new behaviour.
Table of contents 21
©De mon assiette à notre planète Action in the field (cont.)
Gobi: ecodesigned reusable bottle
for the office © Gobilab Two billion plastic water cups are thrown bottles”, explains Florence Baitinger, co-founder away each year by French companies. Having of the company in charge of social and environ- observed this phenomenon, the Gobilab mental affairs. The company worked on the company conceived an alternative in the form of ecodesign of the product for 10 months in a customisable water bottle, dubbed Gobi, that order to evaluate its environmental perfor- is designed to be safely mance upstream of use, and used (without BpA(1)) to make the best choices in for at least two years. terms of packaging, distri- “This bottle is proposed bution, etc. “A major study to the employees of the was conducted to find the companies we work with. material that combined the With its attractive design best environmental, technical the replacement solution and health characteristics. In is generally not seen as the end we chose Tritan™,(2) a constraint, and remains a material that is safe, durable
a concrete measure that © Gobilab and recyclable”, reports is simple to put into Florence Baitinger. According action. The transparency of the bottle is in fact an to the simulations developed during the ecode- advantage compared to traditional opaque water sign phase, use of this reusable bottle diverts bottles that are rarely used on a daily basis. The 650 cups and 70 small bottles that would be bottle inspires confidence, and is used by some discarded per person annually. For further information outside of the office, competing • www.gobilab.com (1) Bisphenol A (a basic molecule in plastics) (2) Material containing no bisphenol A manufactured by Eastman • www.eaupen.net with disposable
Qualitative and quantitative prevention of paint waste: win-win! The small artisan company Pein- reducing paint consumption over the long term tures Schmitt specialised in indoor these paints also reduce waste in fine. These and outdoor painting jobs has mineral paints do not form films inside the cans reduced its annual consumption of once they are opened, and the remaining paint white spirit by 188 litres, by replac- can be used for another job, so opened cans ing glycerophtalic and acrylic paints do not need to be discarded. The company also with products containing more buys plaster and sealants in bulk and transports natural mineral substances. These only the amount needed to each work site, substitute products contain no avoiding wastage of surplus supplies. The prod- © Peinture Schmitt © Peinture VOCs(1) or other dangerous ucts are transported in hermetically sealed pails substances, improving working instead of the original sacks, to reduce losses conditions for employees. They also last rough- due to poor storage conditions. ly 20 years longer than traditional paints; by (1) Volatile organic compounds, implicated in indoor air pollution For further information Information sheet, prevention of paint waste, Peintures Schmitt, www.optigede.ademe.fr 22 Table of contents Local prevention programmes in action Local prevention programmes and “pay as you
throw”: a win-win synergy in Sarrebourg Nadia Villemin, When we launched the local waste preven- reusable items. These items are then sold task officer in charge tion programme in the Sarrebourg district (at a modest price) at a new outlet creat- of waste prevention the terrain had already been prepared: ed in Sarrebourg. With 10 additional con- in the Sarrebourg when the “pay as you throw” (PAYT) system was tainers installed and the PAYT incentives, district (Moselle department) put into place in 2009 professionals met with 150 tonnes of textiles were received in residents whose bins were equipped with smart 2011, compared to 83 tonnes in 2010. chips, and prevention measures had already been We have also set up a partnership with the Sar- started, such as home composting, independent rebourg maternity hospital, where reusable nap- -35% composting at the Sarrebourg workshop and pies are proposed to young mothers. In 2012 we routine training centre for handicapped workers, reus- will focus on deploying composting in flat blocks household and able nappies at the Réding municipal daycare and on a neighbourhood scale. The PAYT system similar waste centre. Residents were already familiar has truly changed behaviour on a large per capita The objective of between 2009 with the issue of waste prevention and scale. The prevention programme ob- and 2011 each activity conducted under the pro- -7% compared to jective of -7% compared to 2009 was gramme echoed the PAYT system, for 2009 was greatly greatly exceeded, with a 35% drop in instance home composting – approxi- exceeded with household and similar waste (not in- mately 43% of the population acquired a 35% drop in cluding non-routine waste). Residual a subsidised garden composter. As the routine household waste was cut in half (-55%). These city of Sarrebourg is a pole for activities and similar waste. 9,600 tonnes that were previously sent (shops, hospitals, daycare centres, etc.) to landfill were in part recovered via there is a risk that prevention measures might be separate collection and deposits at civic amenity seen as relevant only in urban areas. We are care- sites, that have increased by 25% (while rejects ful to consider the specific features and issues of dropped from 18% to 15%), and in part diverted each of the seven groups of associated municipal- by prevention (home composting). Overall, total ities in the district (network of civic amenity sites, household and similar waste (including non-rou- school districts, tourism, etc.) so that they feel tine items) has dropped by 16% (5,400 tonnes). included in our programme. The waste preven- To top off this performance, costs have tion programme was prepared in eight months been kept under control (subsidised cost E and validated in June 2011. Once the programme of 76 incl. VAT per resident) For further information was accepted we were able to launch operations, Note The progression in textile collection was www.cc-sarrebourg.fr for instance a partnership with the Emmaüs not- achieved in collaboration with the previous for-profit. Emmaüs employees keep a schedule provider of collection services, Cothab. The collaboration with Tri d'Union has been effect since 17 April 2012. of regular hours at drop-off centres and take in Subsidised cost is estimated at e76 incl. VAT per resident.
The Boréal scheme: how to better match field action to the terrain When we drew up our local waste prevention programme Boréal in 2011, we wanted our activities to be suited to the actual situation in the field, especially as the programme extends beyond the initial intermunicipal waste district territory (SIAVED(1)) covering 212 municipalities and a population of 570,000. Thus we elaborated an innovative contractual arrangement. To begin, we established an audit based on a study of waste characteristics, a survey of residents and data from 11 groups of associated municipalities. The aim was to clearly determine the amounts of waste involved, the practices that residents were ready to adopt, and the obstacles hindering certain types of action. Local coordination committees were set up to bring together the different actors in the field (local authorities, associations, businesses) and to tailor action to local requirements. This exchange with actors and our analyses led us to focus first on home composting (individual and multifamily) to reduce biodegradable waste that represents 35% of household waste, the largest segment and the one that residents felt Hervé Mortelette, ready to tackle. Reducing food waste, going back to deposit-and-return for glass bottles, and head of the Boréal collection of textiles for reuse are also part of the prevention programme. These measures scheme in the SIAVED district will be in place for the 11 territories by 2013, and we expect to reduce household and similar (Nord department) waste (not including non-routine waste) by 27 kg per person and per year by 2015. (1) Syndicat inter-arrondissement de valorisation et d’élimination des déchets Table of contents 23 Action in the field (cont.)
In situ treatment of trench cuttings: an advantageous process © Eurovia For its renovation of various water conduits the town of Unieux (Loire department) chose the firm 12,220 t Leschel et Millet TP for its onsite treatment of trench of avoided cuttings. The public works contractor used a self-placing material that requires no compacting, trench cuttings developed by the Eurovia group, on 800 metres of roadway. In this process materials dug out for trenches are mixed with hydraulic binders in a compact and mobile unit at the work site and reused. In this way 7,380 m3 of materials were diverted from landfill and the use of 12,200 tonnes of filling materials avoided. This solution also limited the inconvenience due to the works and cut down the time needed to complete the job. Low-quality cuttings were transformed into quality materials that could be reused directly at the worksite, significantly reducing the logistics necessary for conventional excavation and filling operations. Heavy truck traffic to and from the site
was also reduced (1,050 fewer trips, equal to 16,800 km), avoiding 1.425 tonne of CO2 emissions. This technique also yielded savings of E15,350 compared to conventional filling solutions. For further information www.optigede.ademe.fr Information sheet on in situ treatment of trench cuttings
Ten years of “pay as you throw”, with positive results The Ribeauvillé community of associated municipalities (population 18,500) in the Haut-Rhin department instituted a “pay as you throw” system in 2002. This pioneering local authority chose an onboard weighing system, and users are billed for the actual weight of the waste collected. “Although we ran into a few problems at the beginning, the involvement of elected officials, supported by substantial communication aimed at residents, bore fruit. A few instances of problematic behaviour were seen in the first years, but the number is diminishing with time”, says Michael Gruny, in charge of environmental affairs at the local authority. With the weighing system residual household waste was reduced by 55% in mass between 2000 and 2010, while at the same time overall waste tonnage went from 10,000 to 12,000 tonnes a year. The amount of residual household waste stood at only 74.7 kg per person and per year in 2011, and 140 kg/person/year when waste from economic activities is included. The combined total of separately collected waste and residual household waste has also fallen; the slight overall rise observed since 2004 is due to a significant increase in green (garden) waste and occasional waste brought to civic amenity sites. As stated by Michael Gruny, the local authority would like to make further improvement, and reduce biowaste even more. “Starting this summer we will develop composting in flat blocks, in addition to the work we have already accomplished in home composting at single-family residences. Another step we have taken to limit waste is to institute pricing at civic amenity sites, where residents will have to pay for access if they come in more than 36 times a year”. For further information www.ademe.fr/alsace/pdf/D20-Redevance.pdf www.ademe.fr/alsace/pdf/ADEME_fiche_no27.pdf
24 Table of contents The Schiltigheim maternity hospital chooses reusable nappies The Centre médico-chirurgical et obstétrical (CMCO) in Schiltigheim (Bas-Rhin department) is the biggest maternity hospital in Alsace, with 3,400 births annually. The staff has routinely used reusable nappies since
2010, aiming to replace 56% of the some 100,000 disposable nappies ©CMCO Schiltigheim used per year. Nadine Knezovic-Daniel, supervising midwife, reports “We had made a commitment to environmental stewardship two years earlier, and we wanted to cut our waste and the associated costs. The departmental 25% government council and the service provider Alsace Eco’Services, that supplies and washes nappies, asked reusable nappies us to test reusable nappies in our establishment. Extended to all 58 beds in 2010, this service has used reduced our waste by three tonnes a year.” Nadine Knezovic-Daniel also emphasises the importance of awareness education and training for staff at the start-up of the operation, noting that one-third of personnel were reticent about the change because of the added workload it entailed. The hospital proposes the reusable nappies to mothers during their stay, while leaving them free to bring their own disposable nappies if they wish. Sixty per cent of young mothers use the reusable nappies on the day they give birth, but the average use rate falls to 40% over the rest of the hospital stay. Back at home only 6% of mothers continue to use reusable nappies, but 80% say they are happy they were able to test them at the maternity hospital, and 37% say they have adopted at least one practice in support of sustainable development. In 2011 the reusable nappies represented 25% of the nappies used at the hospital, and the overall cost per birth is E3.2 incl. VAT.
For further information www.ademe.fr/alsace/pdf/promouvoir-changes-lavables.pdf
Major consumer chains bet on bulk 12.5 t While selling in bulk to retail customers is still a rare practice in of packaging France, the Auchan group is a pioneer in this domain, having set avoided per year up a “Self-Discount” space in its hypermarkets in 2005. In addition to the prime objective, which is to offer products at a lower price, the bulk-sales space also reduces the amount of packaging used. The presentation of products in bulk effectively reduces the weight of packaging waste compared to prepackaged products; Auchan has been able to cut its production of packaging by 12.5 tonnes per year, following a three-year test phase to fine-tune equipment and procedures. Customers serve themselves from ©Auchan bins equipped with a hand-operated opening and chute mechanism, and use a scales to weigh their grocery products themselves (crackers, aperitif snacks, pasta, rice, candy, etc.). The initiative tested in a few stores has now been extended to the discount section of all Auchan hypermarkets.
n a ch u A ©
Table of contents 25 Action in the field (cont.)
Canon France resuscitates printing systems Each year Canon France collects 22,000 used printing and copying systems, 87% of which have a second life; either they can be resold as reconditioned equipment after a complete overhaul, or some parts or subassemblies can be reused. The remaining 13% of copiers that cannot be reused either in whole or in part are dismantled and valuable materials (metals, plastic, glass and ink) are recovered. Depending on the type of equipment, reconditioning can require between 7 and 60 hours of work. The machines are then rigorously tested before they are offered for sale. “A department dedicated to these so-called ‘second- generation’ products was created at Canon France in 1999, and the market share of the reconditioned products has been steadily rising ever since”, says Jean-Pierre ©Canon Exposito, head of the Standards and Environment department, adding “whether new or second-generation, our prime objective is to sell high-quality equipment. We overhaul the machines by cleaning them thoroughly, replacing defective parts, and updating software if necessary. These machines are 30% to 40% less expensive than new equipment, and they satisfy customers who are concerned about protecting the environment”. This department has created 25 new jobs, and handles mainly professional equipment that is only a few years old and is still in good operating condition when it is taken back by Canon. For further information www.ademe.fr - Examples to follow, Collection and reconditioning of copiers by Canon France
Prevention – creating social ties between generations The initiatives conducted by the Medica group during the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) showed how waste prevention can build or restore social ties between generations. During the week of 19-27 November, 2011 10,000 residents in 162 clinics and retirement homes took part in waste prevention action. In addition to reinforcing awareness of the need to reduce one's own waste, these initiatives brought participants – families, neighbourhood schoolchildren and actors in local society – into contact with patients in the clinics, residents in the retirement homes, and the care-giving staff. a ic d e 1 Residents and patients collected books and games from their friends, family M © and staff in the institutions; these donations were then distributed to children at an afternoon party organised by the Restos du Cœur charity. 1 Children collected leftover knitting yarn that was given to women in the institutions who in turn knitted scarves to be donated to the Red Cross. 1 All participants were invited to convivial “zero waste” buffets, with reusable cutlery and plates, and foods with no packaging. This intergenerational experience was surely appreciated by all!
26 Table of contents Definitions and acronyms
Residual household waste (Ordures ménagères résiduelles, OMR): Mixed waste collected from ordinary household rubbish bins, not including source-separated waste. Routine household and similar waste (Ordures ménagères et assimilés, OMA): this heading designates the waste “routinely” generated by households and economic activities and managed by public services. It includes residual waste plus source-separated waste (glass, packaging, newspaper and magazines), either collected at kerbside or via bring systems. This category does not include waste that is produced only occasionally. (This heading was introduced in 2009). Total household and similar waste (Déchets ménagers et assimilés, DMA): this heading includes all household and similar waste, plus occasional waste (e.g. garden waste, bulky items, hazardous waste, demolition waste) generated by households and waste from economic activities that is similar to household waste, regardless of how it is collected (kerbside or bring systems). CGDD: Commissariat général au développement durable, Ministère du développement durable CREDOC: Centre de recherche pour l’étude et l’observation des conditions de vie EWWR: European Week for Waste Reduction INSEE: Institut national des statistiques et des études économiques SOeS: Service Observation et statistiques de l’environnement, Ministère du Développement Durable
Source: Commissariat Général au Développement Durable (CGDD), French Ministry for Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, Lexique à l’usage des acteurs de la gestion des déchets, May 2012 www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/spip.php?page=article&id_article=27678
Acknowledgements ADEME would like to thank all the outside contributors to this 2011 status report on the prevention of waste production, and the ADEME staff in regional offices and the departments for waste prevention and management (Prévention et gestion des déchets, SPGD), for ecodesign and sustainable development (Eco-conception et consommation durable, SECCD), for extended producer responsibility and recycling (Filières REP et recyclage, SFRR), waste planning and observatory (Planification et observation des déchets, SPOD), and public information and communication (Communication et information des publics) who worked to draw up this document.
Writers: Claire JANIS-MAZARGUIL, Antoine MORLIGHEM (Agence Vectorielles) English translation: Meg Morley Layout and production: Agence Vectorielles Technical supervision: Lydie Ougier, Deputy department head, Waste prevention and management, ADEME Technical coordination: Marianne Bloquel, Waste prevention and management, ADEME Editorial coordination: Agnès Heyberger, Professional and technical communication, ADEME Cover photos: ©ADEME, ©Shutterstock
© ADEME Éditions 2012
Any representation or reproduction of the contents herein, in whole or in part, without the consent of the author(s) or their assignees or successors, is illicit under the French Intellectual Property Code (article L 122-4) and constitutes an infringement of copyright subject to penal sanctions. Authorised copying (article 122-5) is restricted to copies or reproductions for private use by the copier alone, excluding collective or group use, and to short citations and analyses integrated into works of a critical, pedagogical or informational nature, subject to compliance with the stipulations of articles L 122-10 – L 122-12 incl. of the Intellectual Property Code as regards reproduction by reprographic means.
Table of contents 27 About ADEME
The French Environment and Energy Management
Agency (ADEME) is active in the implementation of public policies regarding the environment, energy and sustainable development. ADEME provides expertise and advisory services to businesses, local authorities, government bodies and the public at large, to enable them to consolidate their environmental action. As part of this work the agency helps finance projects, from research to implementation, in the areas of waste management, soil conservation, energy efficiency and Waste prevention is of crucial importance for society. Reducing “waste is the responsibility of each and every individual, and calls for commitment and action by all. renewable energy, air quality and noise abatement. Following on the Grenelle environmental conference, France has adopted a waste management policy that fixes, among others, ADEME is a public agency under the joint authority quantitative targets to reduce incinerated and landfilled waste by 15% by 2012, and to reduce the per capita amount of household and of the Ministry for Ecology, Sustainable Development similar waste by 7% in five years. This status report for 2011 provides figures and explanatory remarks, and Energy, and the Ministry for Higher Education and and reviews prevention activities carried out by territorial authorities, businesses, companies and not-for-profit groups, both locally and Research. nationally.
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