Lunel's zero tolerance campaign

The city of Lunel has begun a strict campaign to eliminate urban waste, aiming to achieve perfect cleanliness and earn a fifth star in its cleanliness ratings. The initiative is part of the "Adore ta ville" brand, focusing on increasing cleanliness through various measures.

Fines and resources for waste reduction

The campaign includes higher fines for littering, such as 1,500 euros for general waste and 750 euros for dog waste and cigarette littering. The city has also provided resources like ashtrays, dog waste bags, and "toutounettes" bins, which are small bins for disposing of waste.

Polluter-payer principle and mobile app

According to Paulette Gougeon, the campaign follows the polluter-payer principle, where those who create waste are responsible for its costs. A mobile app, launched in 2021, helps process reports and resolves 83% of them, contributing to the city's current 95% cleanliness rating.

Addressing bulky items and public involvement

The campaign also targets bulky items left in public spaces, such as stoves and sofas, which can lead to more littering. Residents are encouraged to report these items through the app. A day of awareness is planned for October 28 to involve the community in the effort.

Cleaning efforts and costs

Lunel invests over 2 million euros annually in cleaning, waste removal, and maintenance. Fourteen agencies are involved in public space management, with two dedicated to removing waste and five vehicles used for these tasks.

Waste tax and cost considerations

The TEOM, a tax on household waste collection, mainly covers regular waste, not bulky items. Gougeon mentioned that the tax's impact depends on service continuity and cost reductions. The city also noted that blue bins alone cost 200,000 euros annually, emphasizing the need for cost-effective solutions.