The objective of these chip trash cans is to reduce the production of garbage, which today reaches 354 kilos per year and per inhabitant. This system registered in the Energy Transition Act intends to empower households by invoicing collections beyond a certain threshold. In other words, the more you throw, the more you pay.
Better manage garbage
Far from being a novelty, this system of flea trash cans is already in place in certain municipalities. In 2024, around 6.5 % of French households used these connected bins, and the first results are rather encouraging: a 30 % drop in collected waste was found. Municipalities also find their account there, with better organization of collections and a reduction in logistical costs. Some even offer collective collection points to encourage sorting.
Each individual bin is equipped with an RFID chip placed under the lid. During the collection, the poubelle truck scans this chip to record several information: the number of emptying, the weight of waste and the location of the tank. This data is then transmitted to the city’s waste management services for analysis.
But that’s not all. In addition to monitoring, the system introduces a quota system. Concretely, households with a 120 -liter trash can be entitled to 18 collections per year, one every three weeks. Beyond that, each additional collection will be billed at around € 1.20. Those who have a 240 -liter tank will see this Price double. And if the number of collections ever exceeds 27 annual passages, an surcharge of 3 to 15 euros may apply.
The initiative may have already shown positive results in certain municipalities, it arouses sometimes hostile reactions. For its defenders, it is an effective way of encouraging residents to better manage their waste and reduce their environmental impact. The system would also optimize collection and reduce costs for communities.
But some fear that the measure will penalize large families or those who have no alternative solutions to reduce their garbage. Others fear a perverse effect: the multiplication of wild landfills, as has been found in certain cities having set up strict quotas.
In any case, the generalization of chip trash cans is underway. A quarter of the French population will have to comply this year. It only remains to see if the system will hold its promises … or if it will create new controversies.
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