Residents in France face fines of up to €450 if sorting rubbish incorrectly

Fines for incorrectly sorting rubbish have been increased in France and in some cases can now reach up to €450. 

The new rules apply to all households across France and it means residents must take extra precaution to ensure their items are placed in the correct bin to avoid financial penalties.

Previously, the fine for using the incorrect bin was €35 (reduced to €22 if paid within 10 days, increased to €75 if not paid within 45 days). In cases where the matter was taken to court, fines could reach up to €150. 

A decree published in the Journal Official on June 4 upgraded the fines for incorrectly sorting rubbish from a 2nd class offence to a 3rd class offence. 

This means the standard fine is now €68, dropping to €45 for quick payments and increasing to €180 for late payments. 

If the matter is taken to court, the fine could reach €450. 

Alongside using the wrong bin, fines can be issued for: 

• Depositing rubbish outside of authorised days and times

• Failure to comply with sorting instructions

• Using an unsuitable container for disposing waste

• Depositing rubbish at the foot of containers or designated areas

For communes using per-use waste collection systems (via the Redevance d'enlèvement des ordures ménagères, REOM tax), additional penalties may apply based on commune rules. 

Waste sorting into correct bins has been mandatory since 2021 in France, and annual waste production per person has dropped around 9% since then, according to the environmental agency ADEME. 

Check recycling and bin rules near you to avoid penalties

Fines will also be issued to people who incorrectly sort recycling. 

Under current rules, glass must be placed in green bins, cardboard and paper in blue bins, packaging in yellow bins (plastic, as well as cardboard if there are no blue bins) and food waste in brown bins. 

Our article here provides an overview of recycling in France, including the state items should be in before being disposal.

Several departments now employ ‘bin police’ that check household bins to ensure bins are receiving the correct items. 

Those found in breach of rules may see a sticker reading ‘non conforme’ attached to their bin, and in then receive a fine. 

In other areas, AI is used to check rubbish is being put in the correct bins.

Those who leave bins permanently in the street (outside of designated collection days) risk fines of up to €750, and while fines for fly-tipping are also generally €135, they can be classified as a 5th class offence with penalties of up to €1,500 in some cases.