From January 2024, a new era begins in waste management in France.
The law relating to waste and the circular economy hits hard, establishing the obligation to sort bio-waste at the source. A simple, but powerful gesture, which places composting at the heart of our habits and our kitchens.
Composting, a key act of the circular economy
Composting has now established itself as a key player in the circular economy, actively contributing to the reduction of waste and the preservation of our natural resources. By making it possible to recycle organic waste from our kitchens and gardens, composting promotes the creation of a rich natural fertilizer that is beneficial for the soil, while reducing the quantity of waste intended for incineration or landfill.
Figures that speak
According to ADEME (Ecological Transition Agency), each French person produces around 30 kg of compostable waste annually. By adopting composting, we therefore have the opportunity to divert a significant quantity of waste from our household waste bins. This not only represents a notable reduction in the volume of waste to be treated, but also a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions linked to waste management.
The benefits of compost
The compost resulting from the composting process is a quality organic amendment that enriches soils, improves their structure and promotes plant growth. It also helps reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, contributing to more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture and gardening.
Tips for successful composting
- Choice of composter: Several options are available to you, from individual composters to collective composting, including vermicomposting adapted to small spaces.
- What to compost? Kitchen waste (peeings, leftover meals), garden waste (leaves, small branches), coffee grounds or even egg shells are all organic materials that can be composted.
- Balance of materials: Be sure to maintain a good balance between nitrogenous materials (kitchen waste) and carbonaceous materials (garden waste) to ensure effective composting.
- Ventilation and humidity: Compost needs to be aerated regularly and maintain a certain level of humidity to encourage the activity of micro-organisms.
Local authorities, at the heart of the implementation
Local authorities are at the center of the dynamic of implementing compulsory composting of bio-waste. Their role is essential in facilitating, encouraging and organizing this transition towards waste management that is more environmentally friendly and in accordance with the principles of the circular economy.
A role of facilitator
Communities are responsible for providing the necessary tools and infrastructure to allow citizens to sort and compost their organic waste. This can result in the distribution of individual composters, the installation of compost bins in public spaces or the establishment of collection points dedicated to bio-waste.
Training and awareness
Communities also have a role to play in raising awareness and training citizens. Workshops, training or informative documents can be offered to help citizens adopt good practices, understand the challenges of composting and become familiar with the instructions for sorting biowaste.
Citizens, agents of change
Each at our level, we are called to play a role in this green revolution. Sorting our food waste, using an individual composter or participating in local composting are becoming everyday actions.
And rest assured, no fines will be issued to individuals who do not compost their waste. The objective is above all to encourage and facilitate composting, and not to penalize it.
Towards a zero waste France
This obligation to sort biowaste at source is part of a more global zero waste approach. It not only allows us to recycle our green waste and our kitchen waste, but also to rethink our way of consuming. Mandatory composting is one more step towards a France that is more respectful of the environment, where each citizen contributes, at their own level, to the preservation of our planet.
By adopting these new habits, we all participate in more responsible waste management and the construction of a more sustainable society. So, are you ready to get your hands dirty and become active in composting in France?
