the organic waste recycling market | France

1.1 Definition

Organic waste is a category of waste that originates solely from living organisms, whether animals or plants. This waste decomposes thanks to micro-organisms and bacteria, and can thus be used to produce different sources of energy or fertilizer. There are several methods of recycling this waste, the main ones being composting (aerobic digestion) or methanization (anaerobic digestion).

In France, taking into account professional waste, there are 13.8 tons of waste per inhabitant per year. Among this waste, 14% is biologically managed (composting/methanization of organic waste) . Households produce 354 kilograms of waste per year according to the ADEME, of which one third would be of organic origin at this scale.

The recovery of organic waste thus requires a collection that takes place at different levels. Several companies have specialised in this area, and depending on the Ministry of Ecology, local actors are playing an increasing role in the management of this bio-waste.

In a sector subject to strong regulations, the prospects for development remain important, particularly with the objectives of the law of ecological transition by 2025, which provides for the sorting at source of food waste, among other things. According to Les Echos. In addition, new technologies are constantly renewing market opportunities, such as the recent development of pyrogasification.