Marseille

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Waste Management

Sections

1. Waste Categories in Marseille

Marseille follows a structured waste management system with specific categories for different types of waste. Residents and visitors are expected to sort their waste accordingly:

a. General Waste (Ordures Ménagères)

  • This includes non-recyclable household waste such as food scraps, hygiene products, and other non-recyclable materials.
  • General waste should be placed in black or gray bins.

b. Recycling (Tri Sélectif)

Recyclable materials are sorted into specific categories:

  • Paper, Cardboard, and Cartons: Includes newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and paper packaging.
  • Plastic and Metal Packaging: Includes plastic bottles, cans, and metal containers.
  • Glass: Includes glass bottles and jars (must be rinsed and free of food residue).

Recyclables are typically placed in yellow bins (for paper, plastic, and metal) and green bins or designated glass collection points for glass.

c. Organic Waste (Compostable Materials)

  • Organic waste such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and garden waste can be composted. While not mandatory for all households, composting is encouraged.
  • Some neighborhoods or private residences may have compost bins.

d. Bulky Waste (Encombrants)

  • Large items such as furniture, mattresses, and appliances fall under this category.
  • These items are not collected with regular waste and require special disposal arrangements.

e. Hazardous Waste (Déchets Dangereux)

  • Includes batteries, paint, chemicals, electronics, and medical waste.
  • These items must be taken to designated collection points or recycling centers (déchèteries).

2. Waste Collection Schedules

Waste collection in Marseille is managed by the Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence, and schedules vary depending on the neighborhood. Here’s how it works:

  • General Waste: Collected multiple times a week (usually 2-3 times). Check with your local mairie (town hall) or building management for specific days.
  • Recycling (Yellow Bins): Collected once a week.
  • Glass: Residents are often required to take glass to designated collection points, which are widely available throughout the city.
  • Bulky Waste: Collection must be scheduled in advance by contacting the local waste management service.

To find the exact collection schedule for your address, visit the Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence website or call their waste management hotline.

3. Costs and Fees

  • Household Waste Collection Tax (TEOM): Waste collection is funded through a local tax called the Taxe d’Enlèvement des Ordures Ménagères (TEOM), which is included in property taxes (paid by property owners or passed on to renters).
  • There are no additional fees for regular waste collection, but improper sorting or illegal dumping can result in fines.

4. Procedures for Disposing of Different Types of Waste

Here’s how to properly dispose of each type of waste in Marseille:

a. General Waste

  • Place non-recyclable waste in securely tied bags and deposit them in the black or gray bins provided by your building or municipality.
  • Ensure bins are placed outside on the designated collection days.

b. Recycling

  • Sort recyclables into the appropriate categories (paper/plastic/metal in yellow bins, glass in green bins or collection points).
  • Rinse containers to remove food residue before recycling.
  • Do not place plastic bags, food waste, or non-recyclable items in the recycling bins.

c. Glass

  • Take glass items to the nearest glass collection point (often located on street corners or in public areas).
  • Do not include ceramics, mirrors, or light bulbs in glass recycling.

d. Bulky Waste

  • Schedule a pickup by contacting the Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence waste management service. Alternatively, you can transport bulky items to a local recycling center (déchèterie).
  • Illegal dumping of bulky waste is strictly prohibited and subject to fines.

e. Hazardous Waste

  • Take hazardous materials to a designated recycling center (déchèterie) or participate in special collection events organized by the city.
  • Batteries and small electronics can often be dropped off at supermarkets or electronics stores with dedicated collection bins.

5. Recycling Centers (Déchèteries)

Marseille has several recycling centers where residents can dispose of specific types of waste, including hazardous and bulky items. Some key locations include:

  • Déchèterie de la Capelette: 13010 Marseille
  • Déchèterie de Sainte-Marthe: 13014 Marseille
  • Déchèterie de la Madrague-Ville: 13015 Marseille

Before visiting, check the opening hours and ensure you bring proof of residence (e.g., a utility bill) as access is typically restricted to residents of the Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence.

6. Local Considerations and Regulations

  • Sorting Rules: Proper sorting of waste is mandatory. Failure to comply can result in fines.
  • Illegal Dumping: Marseille has strict regulations against illegal dumping. Fines can range from €68 to €1,500 depending on the severity of the offense.
  • Street Cleanliness: Marseille has faced challenges with street cleanliness in the past, so residents and visitors are encouraged to follow waste disposal rules diligently.
  • Public Litter Bins: Use public bins for small waste items when out and about. These bins are often divided into general waste and recycling sections.

7. Tips for Visitors and New Residents

  • Learn the System: If you’re renting an apartment, ask your landlord or neighbors about the waste collection schedule and bin locations.
  • Use Apps: The Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence offers apps and online tools to help residents find collection points, schedules, and recycling centers.
  • Participate in Eco-Friendly Practices: Marseille encourages composting and waste reduction. Consider using reusable bags, bottles, and containers to minimize waste.

By following these guidelines, you can contribute to Marseille’s waste management efforts and help maintain the city’s cleanliness and sustainability. If you have further questions or need assistance, contact the Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence waste management service directly.