Collection Systems in France 🇫🇷
About
France uses a unified 'Papers + packaging' collection system (often yellow bin/bag) combined with separate glass collection. Since 2024, households must have at least one solution for separating biodéchets.
Collection Streams
Papers + Packaging (Yellow Bin/Bag)
What goes in:
- All plastic packaging: bottles, pots, trays, tubes, films
- Metal packaging: cans, aerosols, foil trays, caps/lids
- Cardboard/carton packaging incl. drink cartons (bricks)
- Books, magazines, paper (non-packaging paper accepted)
What does NOT go in:
- Toys (non-packaging plastic objects) → collection point / déchèterie
- Metal tableware / cookware (non-packaging metal objects) → usually reuse/déchèterie or residual
- Glass bottles/jars (packaging) → glass stream, not here
- Non‑refillable gas cartridges → retailer take-back / special handling; do not put in the tri bin
Notes:
- Put packaging loose (not bagged), not nested
- Empty well, but don't wash
- Local colour can differ (sometimes a separate paper bin still exists), but the national trend is one stream for papers + packaging
Glass Packaging Recycling (Green)
What goes in:
- Bottles, jars, pots (food & drink)
What does NOT go in:
- Drinking glasses / 'cristal', Pyrex, dishes/plates, vases (non-packaging)
Notes:
- Put glass packaging emptied; no need to wash
- Remove lids/caps (plastic or metal) and put those in the papers & packaging stream
Bio-waste / Organics (Brown Bin)
What goes in:
- Food/kitchen waste: leftovers, peelings, expired food (unpackaged)
- Garden waste: grass, leaves, small prunings (where included)
What does NOT go in:
- Packaging of any kind (plastic/metal/glass)
- General 'resto' waste (diapers, etc.)
- Plastic bags are often refused (even 'biodegradable' ones) unless the local service explicitly allows certified compostable liners
Notes:
- Key national point: since 1 Jan 2024, households must have at least one solution for separating biodéchets (separate collection and/or composting)
- Local rules vary materially, especially on: garden waste inclusion, liners/bags, and whether it's a brown bin, drop-off points, or composting
Residual Waste
What goes in:
- Used disposable hygiene: paper towels, cotton pads, diapers (non-packaging)
- Broken tableware / non-packaging glass (drinking glass, etc.) (non-packaging)
What does NOT go in:
- Items meant for separate collection: papers & packaging, glass packaging, biodéchets
- Household chemicals (paints/solvents/etc.)
- WEEE (electronics), batteries/lamps (take-back / déchèterie)
Notes:
- This is the default bin for non-recyclable/non-separated waste
- If you're unsure locally, ADEME's 'Que faire…' tool is the safest check
WEEE / Electronics
What goes in:
- Small & large household electronics/appliances (non-packaging)
What does NOT go in:
- Not in residual or tri bins
Notes:
- Common routes: déchetterie, retailer take-back ('reprise'), collection points
Textiles & Shoes (TLC)
What goes in:
- Clothes, household linen, shoes — even worn/damaged (non-packaging)
What does NOT go in:
- Textiles soiled with chemicals/paint → should be thrown away (not collectable)
Notes:
- Deposit rules: clean and dry, in a closed bag; shoes tied by pair
Household Hazardous Waste (DDS)
What goes in:
- Paints, solvents, pesticides, drain unblockers, pool chemicals, antifreeze, etc. (non-packaging hazardous products)
What does NOT go in:
- Do not put in residual, recycling bins, or down the drain
Notes:
- Must go to déchèterie or a dedicated collection point (including some retailer take-back)
Déchèterie (Municipal Recycling Centre)
What goes in:
- Bulky items (furniture, mattresses), rubble, scrap, wood
- WEEE (electronics), lamps, batteries
- Green waste in quantity
What does NOT go in:
- Regular household bagged waste (OMR / tri / glass)
Notes:
- What's accepted varies by site (and some cities also do booked bulky pickup)
- Many 'special' streams route via déchèterie
Medicines (Pharmacy Take-Back)
What goes in:
- Unused/expired human medicines returned to pharmacies
What does NOT go in:
- Not in household bins
Notes:
- Important packaging split: the leaflet + cardboard box go to your household sorting bin (papers/packaging); medicines themselves go back to the pharmacy
Used Cooking Oil
What goes in:
- Typically accepted at recycling centres / civic amenity sites where offered
Notes:
- Check local acceptance list
What Gets Collected
Accepted Items
- • Packaging materials (varies by stream)
- • Empty and clean containers
- • Material-specific items
Not Accepted
- • Non-packaging items
- • Contaminated materials
- • Hazardous containers with contents
Regional Variations
Collection systems in France may vary by municipality or region. Local sorting capabilities, collection infrastructure, and acceptance criteria can differ significantly even within the same country.
Important Notes
France uses a unified 'Papers + packaging' collection system—put packaging loose (not bagged), not nested.
Since 2024, households must have at least one solution for separating biodéchets (separate collection and/or composting).
Empty and clean requirements apply—empty well, but don't wash packaging.
Local colour can differ, but the national trend is one stream for papers + packaging.
Sources
Collection system information is based on national and regional guidelines. For the most current and location-specific information, consult local waste management authorities.