France lockdown: Are déchetteries still open?
Rubbish tips were for mainly closed at first during the first lockdown in Spring but not this time...
Reader question: I was doing a lot of renovations to my house just before lockdown was announced and now I have a lot of waste. Are the déchetteries still open for individuals to dispose of their rubbish?
Short answer: Yes.
The government has guaranteed that déchetteries (tips) will remain open during the lockdown, including for individuals.
However, this rule does not apply to all déchetteries and it will be decided region-by-region which ones will remain open, with some also operating on reduced hours.
It is therefore best to check with your nearest déchetterie before going. You can find out the opening times of your local déchetterie here.
If you go to the tip, you will need to fill out an exemption certificate (attestation de déplacement). It is recommended that you check the seventh box: "Convocation judiciaire ou administrative et pour se rendre dans un service public."
France lockdown: The exemption forms you need
You should also carry with you a valid ID, ideally one that has your home address on it.
You are permitted to travel to déchetteries that are more than one kilometre from your home, providing you have your attestation and ID.
At the déchetteries, there may be some extra rules in place such as cars being made to enter one by one. In Paris, for example, a maximum of five cars is allowed at any one time. Barrier gestures must be respected along with wearing a mask.
During the first confinement, prefectures also recommended avoiding busy days such as weekends when there is the possibility of long queues.
Clarifications on the current lockdown are still being issued by the government so be aware that details may change. You can stay informed by regularly checking this website and signing up for our free newsletters (sent three times a week).
Read more:
Which shops can stay open during lockdown in France?
