Waste management is an essential part of cleaning services, especially in the demanding environments in which La Providence operates. As well as being practical, this management must also meet strict regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with both environmental and health and safety standards. Let's take a look at the challenges and obligations that cleaning companies face in this context, and the importance of complying with current regulations.
Waste diversity: a major challenge
Different types of establishments produce different types of waste that require specific management strategies. Luxury hotels, for example, generate organic waste from kitchens, packaging and hazardous waste such as chemical cleaning products. Head offices produce mainly office waste (paper, ink cartridges), while shops have to manage large amounts of packaging. Cultural centres and theatres have to deal with waste from artistic and technical activities, such as sets and audio-visual equipment.
For each type of waste, cleaning companies need to implement appropriate solutions: recycling, composting, safe disposal of hazardous waste, etc. It is essential that cleaning teams are trained to identify, sort and treat the different waste streams, in accordance with current standards.
Regulatory Compliance: Provisions to be complied with
Waste management is not just about collection and treatment; it also has to comply with specific regulations, which vary according to the type of waste. In France, there are a number of regulations governing waste management, and cleaning companies must comply scrupulously with them.
1) The 7 waste streams
Since 2016, companies have been required by law to sort 7 waste streams at source:
- Paper/cardboard
- Metal
- Plastic
- Glass
- Wood
- Textiles
- Food waste
Each stream must be collected separately to be treated or recycled appropriately. For example, in luxury hotels and head offices, sorting paper, cardboard and food waste is essential to reduce environmental impact and meet legal obligations. For shops and cultural centres, the management of plastic packaging and metal waste is particularly important.
2) Biowaste
Bio-waste, which includes food waste and green waste, must be sorted at source and sent to recovery facilities such as composting or methanisation. This obligation applies to all businesses that generate more than 10 tonnes of bio-waste per year, which includes many luxury hotels and restaurants.
A cleaning company working in these establishments must not only organise the separate collection of bio-waste, but also ensure that it is properly recycled in specialised facilities.
3) Hazardous waste
Hazardous waste, such as solvents, chemicals and certain types of electronic equipment, requires special management because of its impact on the environment and public health. These wastes must be identified, stored and disposed of according to strict protocols to avoid any contamination or danger.
In hotels, head offices and theatres, where the use of chemicals and electronic equipment is commonplace, the management of hazardous waste is an absolute priority. Cleaning companies must not only have the necessary equipment to handle this waste safely, but also ensure traceability and compliance with current regulations.
The importance of training and awareness raising
To ensure that waste management is both compliant and effective, training of cleaning teams is essential. This training should cover regulatory aspects, sorting techniques and safety procedures, depending on the types of waste encountered.
In addition, raising staff awareness of good waste management practices is essential to ensure effective source separation. Awareness campaigns, regular training and clear communication tools (pictograms, posters) can help to create a culture of recycling and responsible waste management in these establishments.
Innovation and technology for efficient management
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in improving waste management. Innovative solutions such as intelligent waste compactors, connected sorting bins and waste tracking systems are helping to optimise collection and treatment processes.
For example, at the Rungis MIN, La Providence, in partnership with KeepZeStuff, has installed a QR code system on its waste bins. When emptying them, employees scan the QR code to ensure traceability and the history of bin collections (volumes, location, type of bin, repairs) and to better manage seasonal flows.
