How much does waste treatment cost?

Aurélien Fleurot 10:03 am, March 16, 2023

While the mobilization of garbage collectors against the pension reform continues, the cost of waste collection for the community is immense. This budget is even constantly increasing. It varies depending on whether the management is public or private.

Half the costs for businesses

According to the latest Eurostat figures, waste management in France costs more than €20 billion per year. The expenditure has doubled in 20 years due in particular to the application of new laws on the sorting of biowaste and recyclable waste.

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Financing is based on the polluter pays principle. Thus, more than half of the costs accrue to companies. The remainder is borne by households and governments. For communities, the cost will not be the same depending on whether the provider is public or private.

Entrust the management of household waste to the regions?

The regional chamber of accounts highlighted a report by the City of Paris showing that a ton of waste costs 124 euros when it is removed by a private company. The price varies from 144 to 344 euros depending on the type of waste when it comes to public officials. An additional cost that can be explained in particular by repeated absences of sick leave in some communities, but also by different salary scales in the public service.

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For greater efficiency, the Court of Auditors recommends entrusting the regions with the management of everyday household waste, which represents 12% of all waste produced in France, but more than 60% of expenditure.