Cleanliness measures in Lunel

Mayor Paulette Gougeon has introduced a series of measures in Lunel to ensure a clean living environment, focusing on strict enforcement of rules against behaviors like noise, squatting, illegal dumping, and other incivilities. These actions aim to maintain public order and environmental standards in the town.

Handling minor offenders

On October 21, 2026, two minors accused of damaging public property will face a formal warning at the town hall. This is an alternative to a criminal penalty, allowing officials to remind offenders of the law without resorting to legal action.

Cost of illegal dumping

During a municipal council meeting on October 6, 2026, officials approved a new rule requiring those who commit illegal dumping to pay for the removal, transportation, and processing of their waste. This cost will be added to the fine imposed on polluters.

Fairness in waste costs

Mayor Gougeon emphasized that it is unfair for honest taxpayers to bear the financial burden of illegal dumping. Surveillance cameras will be used to identify those responsible, ensuring that the costs are passed on to the offenders.

Fines for littering

In Lunel, uncollected dog feces and cigarette butts on the ground can result in a fine of 750 euros. The town hall has also requested the Lunel agglomeration to relinquish its police powers regarding waste collection to ensure full accountability for littering.

Preventing littering with ashtrays

To reduce littering, the town hall continues to distribute hundreds of portable ashtrays. There are 26 ashtray poles placed in key locations, and 50 dispensers for dog waste bags are available throughout the city for pet owners.

Reporting system for cleanliness

The "Allô Madame le maire" system allows residents to report cleanliness or road issues. In the last three months, 237 reports were made, with 83% of them addressed promptly by the town's services.

Investment in cleaning efforts

Lunel invests over 2 million euros annually in cleaning, with teams working from 5:30 am, seven days a week. Fourteen agents are dedicated to cleaning, including two focused on removing illegal dumps in the city center and surrounding areas.

Public awareness campaign

The town hall launched a campaign called "Adooore ta ville" to inform residents about the fines associated with littering, not picking up dog waste, or illegal dumping. A "cleanliness shock" event is planned for October 28, 2026, to showcase the city's efforts and engage with residents.

Future plans for cleanliness

Mayor Gougeon explained that the streets chosen for the event were based on cleanliness indicators, and while this is the first phase, the town plans to expand similar efforts elsewhere. The goal is to raise awareness and make cleanliness a shared responsibility among residents.

Lunel's cleanliness ranking

According to the Association of Cities for Urban Cleanliness (AVPU), Lunel has been classified A for the entire year of 2025, with an Average Dirt Index (IMS) of 0.28, significantly lower than the average of 1.17 for other evaluated communities.