Composters for storing bio-waste will soon be free. The goal: to reduce waste in order to reduce the cost of treatment.
Responsible for processing our waste, Nîmes Métropole sends 80,000 tonnes of garbage to the incinerator every year. Only four municipalities (Caissargues, Milhaud, Marguerittes and Bernis) bury their waste. “ We too would like to be able to incinerate our waste!exclaims Olivier Fabregoul, mayor of Caissargues. CIt’s a shame: we are the closest municipality to the incinerator and we can’t do it. »
Currently, these four municipalities bury their waste. This week, Objective Gard, the magazine devoted a dossier to the true cost of waste. The numbers speak for themselves: A ton incinerated costs 94€ against 145€ for a ton buried », indicates the president of Sitom Sud Gard, in charge of the incinerator, Richard Tibérino.
Incinerator: 7,000 tons to find
For the Agglo Nîmes, the burial of waste from Caissargues, Milhaud, Marguerittes and Bernis costs €700,000. Only today, the incinerator is used to its maximum capacity, ie 110,000 tons. To burn their garbage, it is therefore necessary to make space, i.e. 7,000 tonnes.
In correlation with the legal obligation to treat bio-waste in 2024, the vice-president Bernard Angelras, in charge of waste collection and treatment, presented a plan at the beginning of February to the mayors of Nîmes metropolis. First strong act: intensify the communication policy, the budget of which will be increased by €100,000.
This will make citizens aware of sorting plastics, 30% of which are still found in black bags. Another measure: go from two to one round of waste collection, in village housing estates in winter. Finally, compost bins will become free for individuals.
A measure first effective in Vaunage around March, then in the municipalities of Leins Gardonnenque and the north of the Agglo. In 2024 the municipalities of the south will be concerned and Nîmes in 2025. These actions aim to reduce the cost of waste treatment and, in fineto avoid a new increase in local taxes.
Coralie Mollaret