The anti-waste law for a circular economy, adopted in February 2020, introduces significant changes to the traceability arrangements for waste, excavated soil and sediment. Its main objective is to improve our understanding of these resources and integrate them more effectively into the circular economy, while preventing damage to the environment. This law is part of a complex regulatory context and aims to strengthen the responsible management of these crucial resources.
Regulatory context
The legal basis for this law can be found in Law 2020-105 of 10 February 2020 on the fight against waste and the circular economy, often referred to as the « anti-waste » law. This law devotes an important part to consolidating the traceability of waste, excavated soil and sediments. These objectives are defined by Decree no. 2021-321 of 25 March 2021 on the traceability of these resources.
The dematerialisation of waste tracking slips
One of the major aspects of this development is the dematerialisation of waste tracking slips. This approach aims to ensure the traceability of hazardous waste and/or waste containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs). From 1 January 2022, managers of hazardous waste will be required to transmit the contents of their chronological register(s) to the national waste register. This obligation concerns a wide range of players, including operators of establishments producing or shipping hazardous waste, collectors, transporters, traders and brokers, and operators of facilities for the transit, consolidation or treatment of such waste.
Traceability of excavated soil and sediment
In addition to waste, the anti-waste law extends the traceability obligation to excavated soil and sediments, whether or not they have waste status. This measure reflects the importance of these resources in the management of land and natural resources.
Excavated soil and sediment can have a significant impact on the environment. Increased traceability means we can better understand their origin, quality and destination. This facilitates the implementation of appropriate management measures, such as the remediation of contaminated soil, the recovery of excavated soil or the prevention of pollution of watercourses and aquatic ecosystems.
Management of waste from infectious and related healthcare activities (DASRIA)
A particularly sensitive aspect of waste management concerns waste from healthcare activities involving infectious and similar risks (DASRIA). The law recognises the need to manage this waste safely and effectively.
Although it is not yet compulsory to use paperless tracking forms for DASRIA, the Direction Générale de la Santé has authorised, under certain conditions, the use of the Trackdéchets application for regulatory tracking of this waste. The aim of this decision is to ensure that DASRIA is properly managed, while facilitating procedures for healthcare establishments.
The aims of the AGEC Law
The anti-waste law for a circular economy has ambitious objectives. Above all, it aims to strengthen the traceability of essential resources such as waste. This increased traceability means we can better understand material flows and integrate them more effectively into the circular economy.
The circular economy is based on the principle of reducing, reusing, recycling and recovering resources. By strengthening traceability, the anti-waste law makes it easier to implement these practices, thereby helping to reduce waste and preserve natural resources.
In addition, the increased traceability of waste, excavated soil and sediment helps to prevent environmental damage. By accurately identifying the origin, nature and destination of these materials, it is easier to put in place measures to protect the environment and combat pollution.
Advances in dematerialisation
The dematerialisation of waste tracking slips is one of the major advances of the anti-waste law for a circular economy. The aim of this measure is to simplify and modernise waste management procedures. It has significant implications for those involved in the management of hazardous waste and waste containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
This means that information can be transmitted more quickly and efficiently, reducing delays and the risk of errors. It also helps to reduce the use of paper, which is good for the environment. In addition, storing data electronically makes it easier to access and use at a later date, which can be essential for monitoring, reporting and auditing.
Traceability of resources as a pillar of the circular economy
The AGEC law constitutes a significant step forward in the responsible management of waste, excavated soil and sediments It strengthens the traceability of these essential resources, thus contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable circular economy.
The dematerialization of waste tracking slips simplifies administrative procedures, reduces the risk of errors and promotes the preservation of the environment. La traçabilité des terres excavées et des sédiments permet de mieux gérer ces ressources critiques pour les sols et la biodiversité.
Ultimately, the anti-waste law for a circular economy is part of a global approach aimed at reducing waste, promoting reuse and recycling, and protecting the environment.
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