Special fee for business waste collection

Vincent Bouget's team is reportedly working on introducing a "special fee" for collecting waste from businesses and other administrations. This would differ from the existing Teom, which is currently used for household waste collection.

Teom's intended use and opposition

A member of the majority emphasized that the Teom is meant for household waste, not that of companies. Jean-Paul Fournier, mayor of Nîmes, is reported to have opposed the new fee, suggesting a divide in local governance over the issue.

Origins and past implementation of the special fee

The special fee, introduced in the 1990s, was not widely used and became optional in 2015. A 2017 report by Ademe noted that its development has been slow, citing challenges like creating a database for individualized billing and the need for political backing.

Regional variations and high fees

In the Gard, within the Terre de Camargue intercommunal community, officials have reportedly reversed earlier decisions, with some companies facing fees as high as 5,000% of their Teom contributions. This highlights the variability in how the fee might be applied across different regions.

Criticism of Teom reductions

Critics from both the right and left argue that Franck Proust’s second reduction of the Teom was politically motivated and unjustified. Sylvette Fayet called it "purely electoral," while Frédéric Touzellier noted that he was the only one to abstain from the vote, unlike the left opposition.

Potential revenue and concerns

François Séguy, the delegate for waste collection, clarified that household taxes would not increase, as families are already struggling with inflation. The proposed special fee, expected to start in 2028, could generate about 2 million euros, compared to 39 million euros from the Teom.

Risks and uncertainties

Sector experts warn that the special fee might disrupt the budget, especially regarding hiring and calculating fees for companies already paying the Teom. There is uncertainty about whether existing Teom payments would be deducted from the new fee, and some fear companies might switch to private waste contractors, reducing revenue for the Agglo.

Sensitivity of professional waste management

The management of professional waste is seen as a sensitive topic, particularly in light of ongoing controversies around the Nîmes markets. This adds complexity to the proposed changes and could influence public and political reactions.