Millions more homes in France to face ‘pay to throw extra’ bin fees

More than 25 million people in France are expected to be taxed for extra household rubbish if the French government hits its targets for 'incentive' bin fees.

It comes after a 2020 target of more than 15 million residents was previously set (but missed) for the schemes, which typically involve bins being equipped with RFID electronic chips, which are scanned by waste collectors.

If their bin is collected more than a set number of times a year, the resident begins to pay penalties.

The aim is to encourage consumers to reduce waste and help authorities to save budget.

Fees paid for waste collection either come under the banner of the taxe d'enlèvement des ordures ménagères (TEOM), which can be applied depending on the volume, weight, type, and number of waste collections; or the redevance d'enlèvement des ordures ménagères (REOM), which is worked out depending on the service and the volume of waste.

It is up to local councils to decide how they levy fees for waste collection.

What does this mean for residents?

The precise details will vary per area, but for example in Marne, households have a bin collection no more than 18 times a year before extra charges kick in. 

Keeping collections to 18 per year means taking your bin out just less than once every three weeks.

Beyond that, the residents affected by the surcharge pay, for example: 

• €1.20 per collection for an individual bin (120 litres), then  €3 from 27 collections or more

• €2.40 for a bin for a family of five or more (240 litres), then  €7 from 27 or more. 

Read also: Bin collection fees in France: what changes do you need to know about? 
Read also: Residents fight pay-by-bag bin fees in south-west France 

How can I reduce my collections?

Beyond trying not to create so much waste, and limiting the number of times you take your bin out, you can also reduce waste by increasing your recycling.

For example: 

• Putting glass, paper and packaging in a separate bin

• Composting your food waste (for example, vegetable peelings and other compostable waste)

You can ask your council for help with composting. Since January 1, 2024, authorities have been required to offer households a solution for sorting their food and green waste. 

For example, installing collective bins, or being given individual composters. Often this waste is then collected and transformed into biogas and natural fertiliser.

Read also: Can I avoid rubbish collection charges in France?
Read also: France considers €3 per bin collection charge

Do the extra waste fees make a difference?

Incentive-based collection pricing has led to a 30% reduction in household waste since it was introduced in 1997, states Ademe. The system also saves on council costs.

“It goes hand in hand with an overall optimisation of the service provided,” the agency said. “This makes it possible to control waste management costs.”

However, waste management still costs billions per year; in 2021, France spent €19.6 billion, said Ademe.