The management of household waste in Lot-et-Garonne is going through the start of the year in full uncertainty, marked by the continued increase in costs. Currently set at 191 euros per tonne, the treatment price will have to be increased to adapt to increasing expenses linked to landfilling and transport of waste.
During a meeting held on January 15 under the chairmanship of Ludovic Biasotto, elected from the canton of Lavardac, four scenarios were presented. The planned increases vary between 43 and 63 euros per tonne, excluding additional taxes. Among these, the general tax on polluting activities (TGAP) will increase from 65 to 70 euros per tonne, due to non-compliance with the waste reduction objectives set by the State. This tax constitutes additional pressure for local authorities. This tense financial context comes after an already notable increase of 22 euros per tonne last year. The final decision will have to balance the operational needs of the union and the repercussions on municipal budgets.
Costly management under pressure
All communities belonging to the Valorizon union will be affected by this increase, with the exception of the Agen conurbation. The latter benefits from lower processing costs thanks to the use of its incinerator, unlike Valorizon which mainly relies on landfilling in Monflanquin or the transfer of waste to other sites.
For elected officials, the decision is delicate. The gradual introduction of incentive taxes, aimed at encouraging citizens to sort and reduce waste, further complicates the issue. In addition, the end of certain door-to-door collections accentuates the feeling of a reduction in service.
-A reflection under constraint
Elected officials still have a few days to examine the scenarios and their impacts. However, the proximity of municipal elections scheduled for 2026 could influence the final vote. Local elected officials will have to arbitrate between the ecological emergency, budgetary constraints and citizens' expectations. Whatever scenario is chosen, the final decision will be decisive for the future of waste management in the department. This vote will precede that of the budget, which will also be at the center of discussions in the coming weeks. Valorizon's elected officials will have the difficult task of finding a balance between environmental needs and economic realities.
