Free waste collection from material distributor for extended producer responsibility in construction

By project INERTWASTE

Published on 25 April 2025

France

About this good practice

The Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy Act (AGEC Act, 2020) introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Building Construction Products and Materials (BCPM). 4 eco-organisations (including Valobat) have been approved by the Ministry to collect an eco-fee from manufacturers and distributors, in order to finance and organise the management of waste from their end-of-life products.
Since 2 May 2023, Point P Maison Blanche has been a distributor that has chosen to sign a partnership with Valobat to set up a free take-back service for sorted building waste, accessible to professionals and private individuals. Valobat's roll-out targets have been set by the Ministry, with a nationwide network of collection points and recovery targets to be achieved by 2027. The surface area (~250-300 m²) comprises:
- 1 cell for inert waste
- 4 skips (10 m³) for wood, metal, plaster and glass wool
- 1 roll rack (1 m³) for rigid plastics/PVC
- 3 racks for glazed joinery (flat glass)
Waste is deposited directly on site. The team guides and checks each drop-off and issues a drop-off slip or via the ‘Valo-Dépôt’ application.
Financial support from Valobat for:
- Financing via EPR: taking charge of skips, transport, treatment.
- Traceability and awareness-raising tools.
- Financial assistance for site development and a Reuse Zone, team training and operating costs.
Point P's commitments: management of areas and safety; management and administrative authorisations; reception and control staff.

Resources needed

Materials distributors must set up waste collection based on sales and turnover thresholds. VALOBAT provides equipment with financial support for investment and operation (price scales), covering containers, transport, treatment, and training. Point P supplies space, secure access, and staff (1FTE)

Evidence of success

In 2023, 664 tonnes of waste were collected, including 596 tonnes of inert waste. In 2024, 447 tonnes of waste / 374 tonnes of inert waste were collected.
Waste flows increased steadily. The model improves sorting, prevents illegal dumping, optimizes logistics, and facilitates access for professionals. Tested at Point P, it will be expanded to other distributors and waste collection centres.

Potential for learning or transfer

The collection model implemented by Valobat at Point P is reproduced in other distributors and waste collection facilities in France:
🔹 Standardisation of equipment (containers adapted to waste flows).
🔹 Flexibility to adapt according to the size and frequency of the site.
🔹 Support and training for teams in waste management.
🔹 Digital tracking system to simplify administrative management.
National roll-out underway: Valobat is currently working with several distributors and waste managers to extend the network of free collection points in France. The aim is to increase the density of the network in order to provide easier access to recycling and re-use channels. By 1 February 2025, there were 395 free collection points active in the Southern Region (4,719 in France), including 195 distributors and materials traders.
Replicability in other countries is possible, and must be based on European regulations on extended producer responsibility.