For Cyclevia, the eco-organization for oils and lubricants, the Overseas territories occupy an important place due to their local specificities and the tensions frequently observed in waste management.
Cyclevia has decided to carry out in Guadeloupe, between October 2023 and April 2024, its first experiment in collecting used oils and their packaging, intended for individuals, within a partner network of automobile maintenance brands. The convincing results of this operation are already sources of inspiration for similar projects in other overseas territories, and also in mainland France.
Overseas territories are distinguished by unique challenges in terms of used oil management: increased stocks, failures of collection systems, illegal dumping, difficulties linked to local treatment, the public not being informed of the dangers and good practices, etc.
The expectations of public authorities are high in the face of the threat that this waste poses to the environment and health. As for communities, the management of oils and their soiled packaging also represents a health, ecological and financial issue.
It is with this in mind that the first collection operation took place in Guadeloupe, from October 2023 to April 2024, in partnership with a network of automobile maintenance brands: the Barbotteau Group. For 6 months, 6 collection points for used oils and their packaging were installed with free and open access in the parking lots of Midas and Norauto sites.
This initiative aimed to strengthen the network of existing recycling centers by providing a local solution, as close as possible to the habits of the holders and also to those who have difficulty getting around. This solution also made it possible to combat illegal dumping, which is harmful to the environment, health and the image of the archipelago.
The objective was also to inform holders of the dangerous nature of this waste and of the good practices to adopt to protect themselves from it and ensure their recyclability. Because, if the collection of used oils shows good results among professionals (garages, factories, etc.), it still has room for improvement among individuals. The latter in fact hold micro-deposits (often a few liters) that are dispersed and potentially very polluting.
With a ratio of 0.036 recycling centers per 1,000 inhabitants compared to 0.069 at the national level, the network of collection points, made up of 14 recycling centers, had to be densified.
The operation was entirely managed and financed by Cyclevia. The waste collected was taken care of by an approved collector, transported and grouped in secure sites, then exported to mainland France to be regenerated or recovered into energy.
Encouraging collected volumes
The 6 voluntary drop-off points created for the operation made it possible to collect 3,895 kg of used oils and 628 kg of plastic packaging in 6 months. 12 collections carried out by the approved collector of the archipelago, SARP Caraibes, located in Baie-Mahault, were necessary to transport this waste to a collection center, for shipment to the Metropolis.
Increasing volumes
By adding the quantities collected within the 6 Midas and Norauto centers to those of the recycling centers, we see that collection from individuals and the like (small professionals, informal garages) increased by 5.83 tonnes (i.e. an increase of 11.4 %) compared to the same period the previous year.
Working-class neighborhoods far from recycling centers more conducive to collection
The Basse-Terre and Sainte Rose sites, far from a recycling center, concentrated respectively more than 50% and 25% of the used oils collected, confirming the relevance of targeting poorly served areas. These two sites are located in working-class neighborhoods, frequented by owners with a particular attachment to their vehicle and doing their own emptying, or by informal mechanics looking for local and free solutions to get rid of their stock of waste. 'workshop.
The target of informal garages clearly reached
In Guadeloupe, informal garages, these companies without legal status, on the border between professional and individual, and therefore difficult to identify, represented one of the targets for Cyclevia to reach. The details of the types of packaging collected show that the operation directly affected them: 71% of 20 liter cans, favored by informal garages or farmers, compared to 24% of 4 and 5 liter packaging often held by individuals.
Respectful and concerned users
The cleanliness of the collection points and compliance with sorting instructions reveal the responsibility of the holders and a desire to do things well, even a certain maturity. The installations, encouraging the deposit of full cans and prohibiting any transfer, and the communication campaign encouraging good practices, were effective.
Institutions and communities that welcome the initiative
The feedback from Sinnoval and Cap Excellence, but also from the Region, Ademe and Deal de Guadeloupe is very encouraging. They all welcome experimentation.
“To succeed, it is crucial to target areas lacking local solutions and collaborate with well-established local partners, while adapting communication and operations to the realities on the ground. » explains Brice Fabre, head of Cyclevia’s Ultramarine Activities
Building on this first success, the Barbotteau Group, partner of the operation, wanted to continue the collection beyond the initial 6 months. A new agreement has been signed to this effect.
Cyclevia has transferred the equipment from the 6 drop-off points free of charge and continues to bear the entire cost of collection, unpackaging and processing of soiled packaging until the upcoming announcement of the decision of the public authorities to entrust Cyclevia with the management of packaging in its sector.
“Our objective of collecting the last scattered liters while educating people about the dangerousness of used oils has been achieved! In terms of efficiency, this experiment is an interesting solution for the sector and its development. There are other territories where such an offer would make sense. This experiment reinforces our continued efforts to strengthen the network of recycling centers and ensure that distance is no longer a barrier to action. » explains André Zaffiro, Managing Director of Cyclevia
Elsewhere in Overseas, certain players have also already told us of their impatience to see such an operation take place on their territory. As such, experiments are being developed in Mayotte and Guyana. In mainland France, a partnership with 3 car maintenance brands will be launched in spring 2025. On this occasion, around twenty new collection points should be created, offering individuals an alternative to recycling centers, closer to their consumption habits. .
