ADEME: its role in waste management

A source of environmental pollution, waste is a major problem at the level of households, businesses, local authorities and the State.

All sectors of activity generate large quantities of waste of various types (plastic, metallic, electronic, chemical, etc.). As proof, in 2018, France produced 342.4 million tons of waste. This equates to an average waste production of 5.1 tonnes per inhabitant.

Recognizing the environmental problem that arises, the public authorities are putting in place mechanisms to remedy it. ADEME is thus commissioned to master waste management, among others.

SirEnergies gives you details here about the role that this entity plays in this regard.

Leveraging the Waste versus Circular Economy Fund

The State provides ADEME, also called” Ecological Transition Agency ”, funding to carry out various missions in the context of waste management. In particular, there is the Waste versus Circular Economy Fund. ADEME uses this fund to carry out actions that promote optimal waste management.

Operations aimed at the objectives of the waste policy

The law on ecological transition for green growth (LTECV), in force since 17 August 2015, defines the waste policy. The Waste Fund versus the Circular Economy is used to deploy this policy.

The Ecological Transition Agency uses the resources of the fund in order to support the State's action in favor of waste management.

Among other things, the objectives are:

• the recycling of 65% of non-hazardous waste by 2025,
• the valorization of waste from the construction sector (Building and Public Works),
• extending the sorting of organic waste at the source to all businesses that generate it and to all households,
• The generalization of the sorting obligation waste according to the 5 main material flows (plastics, metals, metals, glass, paper-cardboard and wood),
• the increase in the recycling rate of packaging and paper,
• the establishment of mechanisms for the efficient energy recovery of non-recyclable waste,
• the application of the incentive pricing of the public waste collection service, etc.

Through the Waste versus Circular Economy Fund, ADEME intervenes in various areas in order to offer solutions that promote reducing the environmental impact of waste. From the preservation of resources to the eco-design of products, various operations are supported by the Agency.

Assistance for waste management projects

The Waste versus Circular Economy Fund allows ADEME to support the implementation of various projects. Its support system is aimed at project leaders who can be manufacturers, local authorities, etc.

The assistance system is organized on 4 different levels allowing cover all the themes of the circular economy. We have knowledge aids, implementation aids, behavior change aids and assistance in addition to a contract of objectives.

Each project is examined by the organization in order to identify the nature of the operations and their benefits. This is how the amount of funding is determined.

When a waste management project is launched in a competitive sector, ADEME checks whether it complies with the Community grant framework. ADEME grants fall within the European framework according to reference texts such as the RGEC (General Category Exemption Regulation).

ADEME is also an important operator of the PIA (Future Investment Program) since 2010. In fact, it benefits from a budget that allows it to support 4 different programs in particular. A waste management project that is part of the circular economy can be classified under one or the other program.

ADEME: research relating to waste management

The Agency for the Environment and Energy Management contributes to the good management of waste through research. The aim is to find solutions to integrate waste into the circular economy process.

The organization promotes innovation and finances studies that are part of this dynamic. Many research results are published on the platform dedicated to this. There you can find reports on waste management.

ADEME puts a particular emphasis on work aimed at the valorization of waste in order to take advantage of them. It animates observation systems and encourages researchers in their approaches.

An advisory role for the Ecological Transition Agency

ADEME plays An advisory role for waste management. In order to facilitate access to its expertise, in June 2020, it launched the platform called Acting for the ecological transition. Through the latter, it offers technical assistance to businesses and local authorities.

In this case, professionals can use the platform to access work results as well as tools for optimal waste management.

Access to the virtual space is personalized. ADEME holds its status as a State operator and provides individuals and legal entities with useful information. For businesses, local authorities and design offices, among others, it offers the collection of methodological guides entitled Keys to action. A lot of resources are devoted to waste management.

The Ecological Transition Agency listens to professionals for tailor-made support. She can thus be your advisor for the development of an efficient waste management plan within your company. In this way, you can ensure that you meet all legal and regulatory requirements in this area.

ADEME: communication on waste management

Changing behaviors in terms of production and consumption is a major objective of the Waste policy. To achieve it, ADEME makes a point of honor on awareness-raising. The entity communicates on waste management through its official website and the information platform created for this purpose. Through these channels, it offers Internet users verified information on the waste problem and possible solutions.

From time to time, she organizes communication campaigns. It thus mobilizes the various key players in the fight against food waste.

In fact, it is as part of one of these campaigns, entitled” Enough of the mess ” What was the platform launched Acting for the ecological transition. Numerous other communication campaigns have taken place in recent years.

The Ecological Transition Agency acts to reduce waste at all levels (businesses, local authorities and consumers).

Contribution to the implementation of waste management programs

The State has set up a waste reduction and recovery plan accompanied by a national waste prevention program. ADEME has largely contributed to the deployment of appropriate strategies to achieve the objectives of these two programs.

For example, in 2019, ADEME intervened to decontaminate and secure 221 polluted sites in France. The organization played the role of project owner for the implementation of these projects. It supported 367 actions against food waste.

The Ecological Transition Agency is also working to ensure the success of the 2025 waste reduction and recovery plan. It thus promotes biodegradable products.

Through her communication, she regularly specifies the challenges of waste management and encourages natural and legal persons to adopt the good practices she indicates. It provides advice on waste management, including the sorting, recycling and processing of waste.

ADEME is finally participating in the development of prevention and management plans at the regional level. The entity is thus a major player in the implementation of the national strategy for the transition to the circular economy provided for by the LTECV.

To go further, do not hesitate to consult our article on The role of ADEME in energy and climate.