New food waste sorting devices tested in four communes

Versailles Grand Parc is testing new food waste sorting devices in four communes: Bailly, Bois-d’Arcy, Jouy-en-Josas, and Saint-Cyr-l’École. The intermunicipal community installed these devices on October 23, and the test is expected to continue until 2027.

Three types of sorting devices available

Residents in these communes have access to three different types of sorting devices: card access terminals, city composters, and compost gardens. Each has its own guidelines for sorting kitchen leftovers, especially in densely populated areas where individual composting is difficult. The goal is to find the most effective method for managing food waste.

Specific locations for collection points

In Bois-d’Arcy, a collection point is located in front of 9, rue Robespierre. In Jouy-en-Josas, two points are at 1 bis, rue Perdreau, and on the Christophe-Philippe-Oberkampf parking lot. These terminals collect food waste, which is then transported to an industrial composting platform. The agglomeration announced two collections per week for this model.

City composters installed in two communes

In Bailly, a wooden city composter is installed on the T13 tram parking lot, chemin Vert. In Saint-Cyr-l’École, a steel model is located at place Nicolas-Boileau. These composters collect a mixture of food waste and wood chips, which is then sent to a composting platform. Detailed usage instructions are provided by Versailles Grand Parc for each model.

Compost gardens in multiple locations

The compost garden option combines a central bin with a flowerpot fed by the compost produced on site. These are located in Bailly at the intersection of di Tommet alley and the rue de Maule; in Bois-d’Arcy at 10 bis, rue Étienne-Jules-Marey; and in Saint-Cyr-l’École at 18, rue Nelson-Mandela and at square Anatole-France. Specific instructions guide users to add dry material and mix the compost regularly.

Residents must request access badges

To use the food waste collection terminals, residents must request a badge from Versailles Grand Parc. The form allows selecting the option "Access badges for collection terminals (food waste)." After processing the request, two badges are sent by mail. Residents then deposit food waste in bulk after opening the trap.

Different rules for each sorting device

The terminals accept peels, damaged fruits, bread, meal leftovers, meat, and fish. However, city composters and compost gardens have more restrictive rules: peels, cut fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, tea bags, and eggshells can be deposited, but meat, fish, and bread are excluded. Bags, even compostable ones, are not accepted in any of the three devices. Users must follow specific instructions to maintain compost quality.

Mandatory source separation of biodegradable waste

Since January 1, 2024, source separation of biodegradable waste has been mandatory for individuals, as noted by Service-Public.fr in its guide on household waste. The new deposit points complement existing composting solutions provided by the intermunicipal community.

Eco-responsible pricing model in some communes

In Bailly, Jouy-en-Josas, and Saint-Cyr-l’École, reducing residual household waste can affect the cost of the service. These communes use an eco-responsible pricing model with a variable component, calculated based on the amount of household waste lifted or deposited in specific terminals. Details are outlined in the calculation grid provided by Versailles Grand Parc, especially for collective buildings.

Experimental deployment with future evaluation

The deployment of these devices remains experimental. A report is planned for 2027 to assess the usage of the installations and decide whether to continue or expand them to other areas of the territory.