Strasbourg

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Waste Management

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Comprehensive Guide to Waste Management in Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg, as part of the Eurométropole de Strasbourg, has a well-organized and environmentally conscious waste management system. The city emphasizes waste sorting, recycling, and reducing landfill waste, in line with France's national waste management policies and the European Union's environmental goals. Below is a detailed guide to help residents and visitors understand and navigate the waste management system in Strasbourg.

1. Waste Categories in Strasbourg

Strasbourg uses a color-coded system for waste sorting, and residents are required to separate their waste into the following categories:

a. General Waste (Ordures Ménagères)

  • Description: Non-recyclable waste that cannot be sorted into other categories.
  • Examples: Plastic wrappers, hygiene products, broken ceramics, and other non-recyclable items.
  • Container: Black or gray bins.

b. Recycling (Tri Sélectif)

  • Description: Recyclable materials are further divided into two subcategories:
    • Yellow Bins: For packaging and mixed recyclables.
      • Examples: Plastic bottles, metal cans, cardboard, and food cartons.
    • Blue Bins: For paper and cardboard.
      • Examples: Newspapers, magazines, office paper, and clean cardboard.
  • Important Note: Items must be clean and dry before disposal.

c. Organic Waste (Déchets Organiques)

  • Description: Biodegradable waste, including food scraps and garden waste.
  • Examples: Fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and grass clippings.
  • Container: Brown bins (for compostable waste).
  • Composting: Residents are encouraged to compost at home or use the city’s organic waste collection system.

d. Glass (Verre)

  • Description: Glass bottles and jars.
  • Examples: Wine bottles, jam jars, and other glass containers.
  • Disposal: Glass is not collected curbside. Residents must take glass to designated public collection points (see Section 5 for locations).

e. Hazardous Waste (Déchets Dangereux)

  • Description: Items that are harmful to the environment or human health.
  • Examples: Batteries, electronics, paint, chemicals, and medical waste.
  • Disposal: These must be taken to specialized recycling centers or collection points.

f. Bulky Waste (Encombrants)

  • Description: Large items that do not fit in regular bins.
  • Examples: Furniture, mattresses, and large appliances.
  • Disposal: Requires a special collection request or drop-off at a designated facility.

2. Waste Collection Schedules

The waste collection schedule in Strasbourg varies by neighborhood. Residents are provided with a calendar detailing the collection days for each type of waste. Here are the general guidelines:

  • General Waste: Collected weekly.
  • Recycling (Yellow and Blue Bins): Collected every two weeks.
  • Organic Waste: Collected weekly in areas with brown bins.
  • Glass: Not collected curbside; must be taken to public collection points.
  • Bulky Waste: Collection must be scheduled in advance (see Section 4).

To find the specific collection schedule for your address, visit the Eurométropole de Strasbourg website or contact the local waste management service.

3. Costs and Fees

Waste management in Strasbourg is funded through a local tax called the Taxe d’Enlèvement des Ordures Ménagères (TEOM), which is included in property taxes. Renters indirectly pay this tax through their rent. The cost varies depending on the size of the property and the number of residents.

  • Additional Fees: There are no extra fees for regular waste collection. However, improper sorting or illegal dumping can result in fines ranging from €35 to €150.

4. Procedures for Sorting and Disposing of Waste

Proper sorting is mandatory in Strasbourg. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Separate Waste at Home:

    • Use separate bins or bags for general waste, recyclables, organic waste, and glass.
    • Ensure recyclables are clean and dry.
    • Do not mix hazardous or bulky waste with regular waste.

  2. Use the Correct Bins:

    • Place waste in the appropriate color-coded bin.
    • Do not overfill bins; lids must close completely.

  3. Follow Collection Schedules:

    • Place bins on the curb the evening before collection day.
    • Retrieve bins promptly after collection.

  4. Dispose of Special Waste:

    • Take glass to public collection points.
    • Schedule bulky waste collection by contacting the Eurométropole de Strasbourg or use designated drop-off facilities.

5. Waste Disposal and Recycling Facilities

Strasbourg has several facilities and collection points for waste disposal and recycling:

a. Recycling Centers (Déchèteries)

Recycling centers accept a wide range of waste, including hazardous and bulky items. The main centers in Strasbourg are:

  • Déchèterie de la Meinau:
    • Address: 5 Rue de l’Abbé Lemire, 67100 Strasbourg.
    • Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
  • Déchèterie de Koenigshoffen:
    • Address: Rue de l’Abbé Pierre, 67200 Strasbourg.
    • Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM.

b. Glass Collection Points

There are over 200 public glass collection points across Strasbourg. These are typically located near supermarkets, parking lots, or residential areas. Use the city’s online map to find the nearest location.

c. Hazardous Waste Collection

Hazardous waste can be dropped off at recycling centers or during special collection events organized by the city.

d. Bulky Waste Collection

To schedule a bulky waste pickup, contact the Eurométropole de Strasbourg at 03 68 98 51 90 or use the online request form on their website.

6. Local Considerations and Regulations

  • Mandatory Sorting: Sorting waste is legally required. Failure to comply can result in fines.
  • Illegal Dumping: Dumping waste in unauthorized areas is strictly prohibited and subject to heavy penalties.
  • Eco-Friendly Practices: Residents are encouraged to reduce waste by composting, reusing items, and minimizing single-use plastics.
  • Language Barrier: Waste management information is primarily available in French. Non-French speakers may need assistance from neighbors or online translation tools.

7. Cultural Insights

  • Community Responsibility: Waste sorting is seen as a collective effort in Strasbourg. Residents take pride in maintaining a clean and sustainable city.
  • Recycling Awareness: Schools and community groups often organize events to promote recycling and environmental awareness.
  • Market Waste: If you visit local markets, vendors often provide biodegradable bags for organic waste.

8. Useful Resources

  • Eurométropole de Strasbourg Waste Management Website: www.strasbourg.eu
  • Recycling Center Locations and Hours: Available on the city’s website.
  • Customer Service: Call 03 68 98 51 90 for assistance with waste management questions.

By following these guidelines, you can contribute to Strasbourg’s efforts to maintain a clean, sustainable, and environmentally friendly city.