Lyon

♻️

Waste Management

Sections

1. Waste Categories in Lyon

Waste in Lyon is divided into several categories, each with specific sorting and disposal requirements:

  1. Household Waste (Ordures Ménagères):

    • Non-recyclable waste that cannot be sorted into other categories.
    • Examples: food scraps (if not composted), hygiene products, and non-recyclable packaging.

  2. Recyclables (Tri Sélectif):

    • Includes paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, metal cans, and glass.
    • Recyclables are further divided into:
      • Yellow bins: Paper, cardboard, plastic, and metal.
      • Glass bins: Glass bottles and jars (no lids or caps).

  3. Organic Waste (Déchets Organiques):

    • Food scraps and garden waste.
    • Lyon is gradually rolling out organic waste collection bins (brown bins) in some areas. Composting is encouraged.

  4. Bulky Waste (Encombrants):

    • Large items like furniture, mattresses, and appliances.
    • Requires special collection or drop-off at designated locations.

  5. Hazardous Waste (Déchets Dangereux):

    • Includes batteries, paint, chemicals, and other toxic materials.
    • Must be taken to specific collection points or recycling centers.

  6. Electronic Waste (Déchets Électroniques):

    • Includes old electronics, appliances, and cables.
    • Must be dropped off at designated recycling centers or returned to stores that sell similar items (under the "1-for-1" take-back scheme).

  7. Textiles (Vêtements et Textiles):

    • Old clothes, shoes, and fabrics.
    • Can be donated to charity bins or taken to recycling centers.

2. Waste Sorting and Collection Procedures

Lyon has a robust waste sorting and collection system. Here’s how it works:

Sorting at Home

  • Residents are expected to sort their waste into the appropriate categories before disposal.
  • Use the color-coded bins provided by the city or your building:
    • Green bins: Non-recyclable household waste.
    • Yellow bins: Recyclables (paper, cardboard, plastic, and metal).
    • Glass bins: Glass items (often located in public areas rather than at home).

Collection Schedule

  • Waste collection schedules vary by neighborhood. You can check the schedule for your area on the Métropole de Lyon website or by contacting your local mairie (town hall).
  • Typically:
    • Non-recyclable waste is collected 1–2 times per week.
    • Recyclables are collected weekly.
    • Glass is collected less frequently or must be dropped off at public glass collection points.

Public Recycling Points

  • Lyon has numerous public recycling points (Points d’Apport Volontaire) for glass, textiles, and other recyclables. These are often located near supermarkets or in residential areas.

3. Costs and Fees

  • Waste management services in Lyon are funded through local taxes, specifically the Taxe d’Enlèvement des Ordures Ménagères (TEOM), which is included in property taxes (paid by landlords or passed on to tenants).
  • There are no additional fees for regular household waste collection, but improper sorting can result in fines.

4. Disposing of Specific Items

Here’s how to handle specific types of waste:

Electronics

  • Drop off at designated recycling centers (Déchèteries).
  • Many electronics stores participate in the "1-for-1" take-back scheme, where they accept old electronics when you purchase a new item.

Hazardous Materials

  • Hazardous waste (e.g., paint, chemicals, batteries) must be taken to a recycling center or a specialized collection point.
  • Some supermarkets have battery collection bins.

Bulky Items

  • Schedule a free bulky waste collection through the Métropole de Lyon website or by calling their service line.
  • Alternatively, take items to a recycling center.

Textiles

  • Use charity bins (e.g., Le Relais) located throughout the city for clothes and textiles.
  • Ensure items are clean and placed in sealed bags.

5. Recycling Centers (Déchèteries)

Lyon has several recycling centers where residents can drop off waste that cannot be collected curbside. These centers accept:

  • Bulky items
  • Hazardous waste
  • Electronics
  • Garden waste
  • Construction debris

Key Recycling Centers in Lyon:

  1. Déchèterie de Gerland (7th arrondissement)
  2. Déchèterie de Vaise (9th arrondissement)
  3. Déchèterie de Saint-Fons (near Lyon)

Access Requirements:

  • Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill or ID with your address).
  • Some centers may have restrictions on the type or quantity of waste you can bring.

6. Local Considerations and Regulations

  • Sorting is mandatory: Failure to sort waste properly can result in fines.
  • Composting: Lyon encourages composting. Some neighborhoods provide shared compost bins, or you can request a personal compost bin from the city.
  • Plastic Bags: Single-use plastic bags are banned in most stores. Use reusable bags for shopping.
  • Cigarette Butts: Do not throw cigarette butts on the ground. Use designated ashtrays or pocket ashtrays.

7. Practical Tips for New Residents

  1. Get Familiar with Your Building’s System:
    • Ask your landlord or neighbors about the location of bins and the collection schedule.
  2. Download the Métropole de Lyon App:
    • The app provides waste collection schedules, recycling center locations, and sorting guidelines.
  3. Label Your Waste:
    • If unsure, label items (e.g., "glass" or "electronics") to avoid confusion.
  4. Participate in Local Initiatives:
    • Lyon often organizes waste reduction workshops and events. Check with your mairie for details.
  5. When in Doubt, Ask:
    • Contact the Métropole de Lyon waste management service for clarification on sorting or disposal.

By following these guidelines, you’ll not only comply with local regulations but also contribute to Lyon’s efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable environment. Let me know if you need further assistance!