Bordeaux

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Waste Management

Sections

1. Waste Categories in Bordeaux

Waste in Bordeaux is divided into several categories, each with specific disposal and recycling procedures:

a. Household Waste (Ordures Ménagères)

  • This includes non-recyclable waste such as food scraps, hygiene products, and other general waste.
  • It must be placed in designated black or gray bins.

b. Recyclables (Tri Sélectif)

  • Yellow bins: For recyclable packaging, including plastic bottles, cans, cardboard, and metal packaging.
  • Blue bins: For paper and newspapers (in some areas, paper may also go in the yellow bin—check local guidelines).

c. Glass (Verre)

  • Glass bottles and jars must be disposed of in green public glass containers (not in household bins). These containers are located throughout the city.

d. Organic Waste (Déchets Organiques)

  • Bordeaux is gradually rolling out organic waste collection. In some areas, brown bins are provided for compostable waste like food scraps and garden waste.
  • If your area doesn’t have organic waste collection, you can compost at home. The city offers free or subsidized compost bins to residents.

e. Bulky Items (Encombrants)

  • Large items like furniture, mattresses, and appliances are considered bulky waste. These cannot be left with regular household waste and require special disposal.

f. Hazardous Waste (Déchets Dangereux)

  • Includes batteries, paint, chemicals, and other toxic materials. These must be taken to designated collection points.

g. Electronic Waste (Déchets Électroniques)

  • Includes old computers, phones, and other electronic devices. These must also be taken to specific drop-off points or recycling centers.

2. Recycling Procedures

Recycling is mandatory in Bordeaux, and the city provides clear guidelines to ensure proper sorting. Here’s how to recycle effectively:

a. Sorting Your Waste

  • Use the color-coded bins provided by your building or neighborhood.
  • Rinse containers lightly before placing them in the recycling bin to avoid contamination.
  • Flatten cardboard boxes to save space.

b. Public Recycling Points

  • For glass and other recyclables, public containers are available throughout the city. Use the Bordeaux Métropole website or app to locate the nearest recycling point.

c. Composting

  • If your area has organic waste collection, use the brown bin for food scraps and garden waste.
  • If not, consider home composting. The city offers free workshops and discounted compost bins to encourage residents to compost.

3. Waste Collection Schedules

The waste collection schedule varies by neighborhood. You can find the exact schedule for your address on the Bordeaux Métropole website or by contacting your local mairie (town hall). Here are some general guidelines:

  • Household waste: Collected 1–3 times per week, depending on your area.
  • Recyclables: Collected weekly or bi-weekly.
  • Glass: Not collected at home; you must take it to public glass containers.
  • Bulky items: Collection is by appointment only (see below for details).

4. Costs Associated with Waste Management

Waste management in Bordeaux is funded through local taxes, specifically the Taxe d’Enlèvement des Ordures Ménagères (TEOM), which is included in your property tax or rent. There are no additional fees for regular waste collection, but there may be costs for specific services:

  • Bulky item collection: Free for a limited number of items per year; additional items may incur a fee.
  • Hazardous waste disposal: Free at designated collection points.
  • Electronic waste disposal: Free at recycling centers or through retailer take-back programs.

5. Disposal of Specific Waste Types

Here’s how to handle special waste categories:

a. Hazardous Waste

  • Take hazardous materials (e.g., paint, chemicals, batteries) to an EcoPoint or a déchetterie (recycling center).
  • Some supermarkets and stores have collection bins for batteries and small electronics.

b. Bulky Items

  • Schedule a free collection through Bordeaux Métropole by calling or using their online service.
  • Alternatively, you can take bulky items to a recycling center.

c. Electronic Waste

  • Drop off at a recycling center or return to the retailer when purchasing a new item (retailers are required to accept old electronics under the "1-for-1" rule).
  • Some charities also accept working electronics for reuse.

6. Recycling Centers (Déchetteries)

Bordeaux has several recycling centers where you can dispose of items that cannot be collected curbside. These centers accept:

  • Bulky items
  • Hazardous waste
  • Electronic waste
  • Construction debris (small quantities)

Key Recycling Centers in Bordeaux:

  • Déchetterie de Bordeaux Nord: Rue François Arago, 33300 Bordeaux
  • Déchetterie de Bordeaux Sud: Rue Carle Vernet, 33800 Bordeaux

What to Bring:

  • Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill or ID with your address).
  • Note: Access is free for residents, but there may be limits on the quantity of waste you can bring.

7. Tips for Navigating the System as a Newcomer

  • Learn the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the waste sorting guidelines provided by Bordeaux Métropole. Many neighborhoods distribute leaflets or have information available online.
  • Use the Bordeaux Métropole App: This app provides collection schedules, recycling point locations, and other useful information.
  • Ask Your Landlord or Neighbors: If you live in an apartment, your landlord or neighbors can explain how waste is managed in your building.
  • Participate in Workshops: Bordeaux offers free workshops on composting and waste reduction. These are great for learning how to minimize your waste footprint.
  • Avoid Illegal Dumping: Leaving waste on the street outside of designated collection times can result in fines.

8. Local Considerations and Cultural Tips

  • Eco-Conscious Culture: Bordeaux residents are generally environmentally conscious, so proper waste sorting is taken seriously.
  • Community Composting: Some neighborhoods have shared composting bins. Check with your local mairie to see if this is available in your area.
  • Second-Hand Culture: Before disposing of items, consider donating them to local charities or selling them through platforms like Le Bon Coin or Facebook Marketplace.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to navigate Bordeaux’s waste management system with ease while contributing to the city’s sustainability efforts. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact Bordeaux Métropole directly or visit their website for the most up-to-date information.