Valorizing green waste in the garden
About this good practice
Following 2011 prefectoral decree prohibiting burning of green waste, supply of plant residues has steadily increased significantly in landfills and became the most important waste collected by public service in the Mauges (France). Aim of the good practice is to help individuals to value their green waste in situ in order to:
- Limit waste disposal trips and bin rotations (CO2 reduction),
- Reduce the tonnages of waste brought to landfills,
- Reconstitute local circular loops allowing inhabitants to reduce the use of synthetic and/or organic fertilizers, promote biodiversity in the garden, increase biological richness of cultivated soils.
Since 2010, the local authority offers a 50% subsidy (capped at 1 500€) for the purchase of a shredder, for associations wishing to buy it and make it available for residents. It benefited to 6 associations in 2017. The analysis of tonnages shows that in the neighborhood of an association, supply of plants in waste collection centers decreases significantly.
In 2016, to encourage the practice, local authority has entrusted an environmental association (the CPIE Loire Anjou) with the management of the network of associations already in place and with helping new associations to emerge. It has also granted annual assistance to associations for maintenance of their equipment.
At the same time, shredding demonstrations in public square or in waste disposal centers were held.
A guide document was created and 50,000 copies distributed.
Resources needed
Costs covered by municipality:
0.3 full-time equivalent/year for 3 years from an association mandated to lead and develop the network of associations
9 319€ subsidies to 7 associations for purchase of 9 shredders (50% of the price excluding VAT capped at 1 500€)
1500€ for printing 50,000 guides
Evidence of success
In 3 years, 3 new associations have emerged. The entire territory of the agglomeration will soon be covered by citizens' initiatives, 9 associations in total will be present.
Over the past 3 years, the supply of plants has decreased significantly: -7% between 2015 and 2019.
In time, the inhabitants should be able to valorize the plant material they produce. The associations find it a very good tool for social bonding and mutual support.
Potential for learning or transfer
This practice can be easily reproduced. The important thing is to make the inhabitants aware of the simple functioning of the organic matter cycle. It therefore makes it possible to contribute to reconciling man with the nature around him. It also makes it possible to limit vehicle journeys to the supply points and the transport of green waste containers from high-capacity composting areas. In addition, it requires few resources: jobs related to the animation of groups of inhabitants, subsidies for the purchase of shredders, and the financing of communication documents and animations on the themes of natural gardening and plant enhancement.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Mauges Communauté