Local Programme for the Prevention of Household and Similar Waste

The Local Programme for the Prevention of Household and Similar Waste (PLPDMA) responds to the growing need to reduce waste in the Lille Metropolitan Area (MEL). Initially adopted in 2016, the programme was revised in 2021 to align with the 2030 targets set in MEL’s waste management master plan and the 2020 French anti-waste law (AGEC), which calls for a 15% reduction in household waste per capita between 2010 and 2030.

• To reduce household and similar waste by 15% per inhabitant between 2010 and 2030, in compliance with the French anti-waste law for a circular economy (AGEC).
• Deploy and sustain the culture of prevention: act on daily practices, extend the lifespan of products, and turn our waste into a resource.
• Raise awareness and facilitate the sustainable behavior change of residents.
• Mobilise, support, and assist local stakeholders to widely spread new practices and create a territorial dynamic.

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The second version of the PLPDMA presents the strategic directions and the associated multi-year action plan for the period 2023-2029, in order to achieve the regulatory objective of reducing waste by 15% by 2030. This programme is organised around 6 axes and 18 actions:

• Axis 1: Cross-cutting Actions: This axis groups all actions that are common to all the themes outlined.
• Axis 2: Local Management of Biowaste: Biowaste is the priority focus in this programme due to its significant presence in waste bins, as well as the regulatory obligations for source separation, which will be in effect by December 31, 2023.
• Axis 3: Fighting Food Waste: The fight against food waste is part of the broader objective of reducing biowaste found in our bins.
• Axis 4: Second Life for Objects: Reuse, repair, and recycling contribute to extending the lifespan of products and play a role in the circular economy and the reduction of waste production.
• Axis 5: Towards Sustainable Consumption: Consuming more sustainably means reducing our environmental footprint by consuming thoughtfully and in line with our actual needs, avoiding single-use goods and packaging. It is also a way to combat plastic pollution.

Axis 6: Becoming Exemplary Local Authorities: Eco-exemplarity involves reducing the environmental impacts of local authorities concerning water, energy, transport, buildings, public procurement, and waste management. The goal is to pave the way and set an example for other local authorities.

Waste generation has already decreased to 544 kg per inhabitant in 2023, compared to 598 kg per inhabitant in 2010 (reference year), with a target of reaching 508 kg per inhabitant by 2030.

In its 2023 annual report, the MEL presented the results achieved that year based on the targets outlined in the action sheets, including:

• 11,340 people were made aware of waste reduction through workshops, school programmes, site visits, national events, and informational booths.
• 61 collective composting sites were set up as part of a proactive local composting initiative.
• 70 extracurricular facilitators and catering staff received training in 7 dedicated sessions aimed at reducing food waste in collective catering.
• 1,226 tonnes of items were collected from waste collection centres for sorting and being resaled.19% of mailboxes now display “No Advertising” stickers, as part of Axis 5: Toward Sustainable Consumption.

• Contextual Influence: The clear reduction in waste tonnage is closely linked to inflation. Due to reduced purchasing power, residents have naturally lowered their consumption levels.
• Multi-level Stakeholder Engagement: Several levels of consultation were implemented, including citizen dialogue on waste prevention, thematic working groups with key local stakeholders, public access to the draft PLPDMA for feedback, and monitoring by a dedicated advisory and follow-up committee.
• Prioritisation of Actions: The previous PLPDMA (2017–2021) included 33 actions, whereas the current plan focuses on 18, making it more realistic and achievable.
• Significant Financial Resources: The previous PLPDMA had a budget of €2 million, while the new plan is backed by €19 million, enabling more impactful initiatives.
• Integrated Approach: Actions are designed to be coherent and complementary, avoiding siloed efforts and reinforcing each other for greater overall effectiveness.

• Challenges in Awareness-Raising: It is essential for municipalities to actively participate in the process. Without their involvement, it becomes difficult to reach out to citizens and effectively mobilise them.
• Behavioural and Psychological Barriers: Encouraging people to change consumption habits, especially when alternatives do not offer immediate financial benefits (e.g., reusable diapers or menstrual products), is a significant challenge. As a result, efforts tend to focus more on high-volume waste areas like zero-waste gardening and food waste reduction, which are more tangible for the public.

• Observed reduction in waste production: Although partially driven by inflation and reduced consumption, the MEL has seen a measurable decline in household waste tonnage, aligning with the 2030 target of -15% per capita compared to 2010.
• Strong public engagement and participation: The programme recorded a high level of public response during certain initiatives (most notably the rollout of subsidised composters), with 4,500 units distributed in under three weeks during Spring 2024. This surge in interest was largely driven by heightened media coverage at the time, suggesting that while there is real citizen receptiveness to sustainable practices, engagement levels can be significantly influenced by communication efforts and external visibility.
• Implementation of practical, visible services: Initiatives like subsidised composters, guides on zero-waste gardening, and reuse premises demonstrate early programme rollout and public-facing action.

• Secure strong political and institutional backing early: Adoption and follow-through require sustained commitment and clear alignment with national goals (e.g., the AGEC law in France).
• Design for realism and focus: Avoid overly ambitious action plans. Prioritise high-impact measures and ensure available capacity (human and financial) to deliver them effectively.
• Invest in multi-level stakeholder engagement: Build legitimacy through inclusive design: engage citizens, municipalities, NGOs, and sectoral experts early and throughout implementation.
• Plan for iteration and flexibility: Monitor progress annually, revisit indicators, and adjust based on what works. Accept that some actions may underperform and require redesign.
• Coordinate and align initiatives: Avoid siloed projects by fostering integration between the different actions.

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