{"id":4276,"date":"2026-01-16T15:55:59","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T14:55:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rdcenvironment.be\/uncategorized\/evaluation-des-performances-des-centres-de-tri-des-dechets-dactivites-economiques-en-france\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T16:19:52","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T15:19:52","slug":"performance-sorting-centres-commercial-waste-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/rdcenvironment.be\/en\/circular-economy\/performance-sorting-centres-commercial-waste-france\/","title":{"rendered":"Assessing the performance of sorting centres for commercial waste in France\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Context of the study<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Waste from economic activities (waste produced by businesses rather than households) represents a major resource in France, with around 64 million tonnes generated in 2021 (excluding construction and public works). Its management is now governed by significant regulatory changes: widespread sorting at source (5 then 8 streams), landfill reduction targets and the extension of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. In this context, ADEME launched a national study aimed at gaining a better understanding of the generation of waste from economic activities and their sorting and treatment facilities, measuring their actual performance and anticipating changes in the sector.<\/p>\n

Objectives of the study<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This study has three main objectives:<\/p>\n

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  1. To take stock of the sorting equipment available on the market and its theoretical performance.<\/li>\n
  2. Observe and quantify the actual performance of waste from economic activities sorting centres through field audits in order to identify practices, limitations and areas for improvement.<\/li>\n
  3. Develop a robust performance evaluation methodology and analyse the sector’s prospects for development, particularly with regard to future needs for recycled raw materials.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    A four-phase complementary approach<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Phase 1: Equipment database<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Nearly 50 manufacturers and suppliers were consulted in order to compile a detailed database of equipment that directly or indirectly influences sorting: screens, air and density separators, optical sorters, metal separators, shredders, as well as ancillary equipment (misting, dust removal, conveying). The study identified the functions, usage constraints and typical performance of these technologies. This step established a clear picture of industry standards and served as a reference for comparing theory with practices observed on site.<\/p>\n

    Phase 2: Audits and actual performance<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    The audits (18 total) collected consistent data on tonnages, sorting organisation, traceability, recovery methods and the quality of rejects. Variability of the incoming waste stream is a structural challenge for waste from economic activities sorting. To take this into account a simple visual identification methodology was implemented over a week. Characterisations show that mixed streams are composed on average of (see figure 1):<\/p>\n