Can I throw food waste in with the household rubbish?
In principle, no — you must sort it. Since 1 January 2024, sorting biowaste at source (peelings, food scraps, and garden waste) is generalised under the anti-waste law (AGEC) and EU law. In practice the duty falls first on local authorities, which must offer a sorting solution: individual or shared composter, bins or a dedicated container. As an individual, you must use these solutions rather than throw biowaste in with the rubbish. Home composting is encouraged and often subsidised by towns.
📋 The rules
- Sorting biowaste at source generalised since 1 January 2024
- Local authorities must provide a solution (composter, dedicated bin)
- Individuals must use the sorting solution offered
- Composting, individual or shared, encouraged
- Mixing biowaste with the rubbish goes against the duty
🔓 Exceptions
- The direct duty falls on authorities, no systematic individual fine (yet)
- Solutions vary by town (bin, drop-off point, composter)
- Illegal dumping of waste remains heavily punished
⚠️ Penalties & fines
For the individual, there's no automatic individual sanction yet: the duty mainly targets local authorities. However, a non-compliant deposit duly recorded can be fined (around €35 to €150), and illegal dumping of waste is severely punished. For professionals, failing to meet the sorting conditions set by the authority is a 4th-class offence (€750).
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Sorting biowaste →
- info.gouv.fr · Biowaste: sorting becomes mandatory →
- Ministry of Ecological Transition · Biowaste →
❓ Frequently asked
Is sorting biowaste mandatory?
Yes, sorting biowaste at source is generalised since 1 January 2024. The duty falls first on local authorities, which must provide a solution (composter, dedicated bin) that residents must use.
Will I be fined if I don't sort?
For now, there's no automatic individual fine: the duty mainly targets authorities. But a non-compliant deposit recorded can be fined, and illegal dumping remains heavily punished.
How do I sort food waste?
Depending on your town: individual composter (often subsidised), shared neighbourhood composter, drop-off point or a dedicated bin collected at the door. Check with your town hall or inter-municipal authority.
Which waste is concerned?
Food waste (peelings, leftovers, coffee grounds) and garden waste (cuttings, leaves, prunings). These are biowaste, which can be composted or methanised rather than incinerated or buried.
And for professionals?
Professionals (restaurants, shops, canteens) must sort their biowaste at source. Failing the conditions set by the administrative authority is a 4th-class offence, i.e. a €750 fine.
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