Existing solutions


Collection companies
These are service providers that come on request, collect wastes and dispose of them via the appropriate channels. They complete a hazardous waste form for this type of waste and charge on a variable scale that generally includes 'treatment', whose cost depends on the weight, and 'transport' on a lump sum basis for a certain number of drums. These companies must have official approval. It is noted that scrap metal dealers must also have such approval.

Waste collection centres
These are intended for the treatment of domestic wastes (large items, vegetation waste and hazardous domestic waste) and financed by local authorities. Private individuals therefore have access to them and they are not intended for access by professionals. However, they sometimes accept waste from professionals (ordinary waste considered as domestic waste when the business pays a waste disposal tax, or unofficially when small quantities are involved). There is nonetheless a trend for the increasingly frequent acceptance of wastes from businesses on payment. In Lorraine for example, the SOVODEB syndicate manages about 10 waste disposal centres that are open to businesses www.trions-vosgien.com/francais/img/0-accueil/affiche.pdf. Invoicing depends on the weight and the type of waste, with application of a price scale. Businesses have a card that is debited according to the quantities delivered and that they can recharge as they wish. These waste disposal centres must first be equipped to receive the hazardous wastes generated by somewhat specialised professional sectors.

Special waste disposal centres are set up in some cases, like the centres in Lannemezan and Tarbes managed by the company PSI www.psi-net.fr/accueil.html

Free collection channels
Collection of used oils by registered collectors is obligatory within a period of 15 days when a stock of at least 600 l is reported. This channel from collection to the use of the oil is financed by the 'general tax on pollutant activities'. As services are invoiced according to the quantity of oil alone, collectors are careful to avoid 'pollution' by other liquids (samples are taken). Exceeding 5% by volume may result in invoicing by the collection service.

Recovery by manufacturers/sellers
Used tyres and batteries must be recovered free of charge by distributors on the basis of exchange when a new product is purchased. This measure is now being implemented for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Similar practices exist for filters and hoses on a case-by-case basis. They should be encouraged on condition that there is assurance of good management of the wastes.


Local solutions
Businesses may use certain local solutions when the quantities of waste involved are very small. This is the case for example of the battery recovery boxes provided in supermarkets.

Similar operations have been performed or are in progress in different regions of France. The principle is based on information booklets and the availability of advice and waste appraisals for businesses. The coordination body consults or performs a bid invitation for collection companies able to operate for the trade in question at negotiated single prices applicable to everyone. The businesses informed are then free to adopt the procedure or not and use the service provider.

Associations of businesses
These procedures are similar to those described above but group businesses in sectors that may differ but that are assembled in a clearly defined geographical area. These include for example the 'Club des entreprises de Pessac,' the 'Cépages' association steered by the Libourne Chamber of Commerce and Industry and that groups some 50 businesses and the association 'Terres de Provence' that has operated at the Géménos business park with more than 80 businesses for nearly six years. In this type of situation, the leader of the operation (associations or Chamber of Commerce) can negotiate particularly attractive rates because large quantities of wastes are involved and transport costs are optimised. However, each business manages its wastes individually and deals directly with the collection company.

Agriculture
Several collective actions for waste collection have been organised in the agricultural sector.

In the Plastagri project (that was granted funding from LIFE) focused on the collection of waste plastics generated by farms, the principle was to open several tens of collection points at farm machinery cooperative centres (CUMAs), on farms and at cooperatives. Farmers receive prior notification and can bring their wastes for a period of a week during the year. The operation is free of charge and has been repeated annually at the initiative of the regional federation of CUMAs in the Midi-Pyrénées region. Similar operations are being run in other regions.
Other actions are being run to centralise used oil. Collection points are also open for a limited period of the year. All farmers can take their used oil, again free of charge because oil recovery is free.

The ADIVALOR www.adivalor.fr channel is one of the most advanced examples of the voluntary approach in the agricultural sector today. Founded in 2001, it is entrusted with the collection of empty pesticide packaging and unused pesticides at the regional level. The principle is that of voluntary delivery to collection points organised by suppliers or distributors at certain periods of the year (the schedule can be consulted online at www.adivalor.fr/collectes/lieux_dates_collecte.html). The cost of collection is covered by the agricultural chemicals companies and certain public aid (Agence de l'eau, MEDD).

Possible solutions for forestry operators