Spatial disparities in household waste collection in France: an analysis at subregional level[Disparités spatiales de collecte des déchets ménagers en France : une analyse à l'échelle des départements]

We study differences in waste collection performance between French subregions (French departments) and the factors associated with these disparities to identify levers to improve waste collection. Using principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering, we create a four-class typology of subregions according to their quantities of waste collected per capita, and relate the differences in waste collection performance to economic and sociodemographic variables. Our results show that the four-class of subregions identified have different territorial characteristics, especially in terms of density, degree of urbanization, poverty rate, tourism and level of education. They show, in particular, that the subregions where separate collection is less developed are, on average, very urban with a high population density. They are also characterized by higher than average poverty rate and higher level of education. Conversely, subregions with quantities of unsorted waste per capita below the average are less urbanized and have a lower density. These subregions are also characterized by low tourism, a low level of education, and a lower than average poverty rate. The subregions with quantities of unsorted waste per capita higher than the national average are, more urbanized and more touristy than all the subregions. These results highlight that there is no single solution when it comes to local waste management policies. The implementation of instruments and policies must be adapted to the particularities of each territory. Based on these results, we suggest ways of improving local public waste management policies. We propose the promotion of waste prevention and the deployment of separate collection of biowaste, which represent important solutions to support behaviors favorable to waste reduction. We also identify raising citizen awareness and economic incentives, as levers that could improve waste management.