The role of local authorities in the fight against single-use plastics

Author: Zero Waste France

Plastic is present in every aspect of our daily lives, from packaging and textiles to household items, and its production has been increasing at an alarming rate. Without significant action, global plastic use is expected to triple by 2060, reaching a staggering 1,321 million tonnes annually. This unprecedented growth contributes to severe environmental, health, and social crises, resulting from pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and avoidable harm to human health.

For more on Zero Waste France’s End Plastic Pollution campaign, visit here.

France’s response: the anti-waste for a Circular Economy Act (AGEC)

Recognising the urgent need for intervention, France introduced the Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy Act (AGEC) law in February 2020. The AGEC law sets ambitious targets for waste reduction and resource conservation, with the ultimate goal of eliminating single-use plastics by 2040. For the first time, a paradigm shift in production and consumption habits is encouraged, fostering a “de-plastification” roadmap across the country.

While companies must phase out single-use products, local authorities have a pivotal role in implementing the measures of the AGEC law. By integrating strict criteria into public procurement, promoting reusable solutions at events, supporting local reuse providers, and running awareness-raising campaigns, local governments can turn national targets into actionable, community-centred initiatives.

Through their leadership, they can mobilise citizens, civil society, businesses, and retailers in the shift toward reuse.

Tackling single-use plastics locally

To effectively fight plastic waste, local governments can include these strategies in their “Programme local de prévention des déchets et assimilés” (Local Programmes for the Prevention of Household and Similar Waste – PLPDMA). Additionally, they can draft targeted action plans to reduce single-use plastics, which are designed to meet local realities while reinforcing the goals of the AGEC law. A great example is the ERIC (Elevating Reuse In Cities) project, coordinated by Zero Waste Europe and its members, which supports the implementation of Plastic Prevention Plan (PPP) in 30 municipalities across 10 EU countries. In France, Zero Waste France provides support to 3 cities, including Lyon, Bordeaux, and Nantes, where PPPs are about to be implemented.

Here you can read the Plastic Prevention Plans (in French) of Lyon, Nantes and Bordeaux.

Transforming public events

Public events often generate large amounts of single-use packaging waste, presenting an ideal opportunity for change. Local authorities can implement reusable systems with deposits for food and beverage packaging. For example, Bordeaux is exploring the possibility of making available a kit with reusable tableware for events organised in the city. Rouen metropolitan area has already called on reuse operators for its in-house events, and ran a first experiment in 2023 during the Armada, with stands using returnable tableware. The Rouen Normandie metropolitan area funded a food container deposit pilot in partnership with the association “La Consigne Havraise” with six volunteer food trucks offering reusable glass dishes on deposit. As a result, 3,770 reusable containers were used, avoiding 40 kilos of plastic packaging.

For guidance on zero-waste events, check out Zero Waste France’s guide here.

Public procurement as a tool for change

As major purchasers, local authorities can shape the market by including environmental criteria in tenders and contracts. This can involve banning single-use packaging at public markets or requiring caterers to use reusable containers for the transport and storage of meals and beverages in institutional catering. For instance, the city of Nice has incorporated sustainable procurement practices since 2019, setting a standard for reusable cutlery in its catering contracts. Moreover, local governments can invest in water fountains to replace plastic bottles, as Rouen did with a €45,000 contract for water dispensers, making it easy for residents to adopt reusable habits.

Explore more on public procurement and reducing plastic waste here.

Supporting local reuse initiatives

To promote reuse, local authorities can take an integrated approach by encouraging the establishment of reuse providers. Local authorities can provide targeted funding or calls for projects, as well as funding for washing facilities and equipment to facilitate the logistical aspect of reuse initiatives. Partnering with social innovation and solidarity economy incubators further supports local economic development and a sustainable reuse network. Communication campaigns highlighting local businesses from the HoReCa sector offering reusable solutions or accepting customers’ “Bring Your Own” containers can also help raise awareness and increase the visibility of these solutions. Fontenay-sous-Bois and Bordeaux have for example implemented home meal delivery programs with reusable stainless-steel containers, moving away from single-use plastics in alignment with legislation.

Educating and engaging the public

Raising awareness is crucial for reducing single-use plastic consumption, and local authorities can play a central role in educating communities about responsible practices. From posters and public displays to hands-on workshops, their active support can shift the focus from waste sorting to waste reduction practices. Local authorities can encourage simple and accessible practices, such as opting for bulk products, using reusable containers, and avoiding over-packaged items. By promoting these messages in public spaces, they can contribute to a direct reduction in plastic consumption among citizens. The Nantes metropolitan area has for example initiated a communication strategy aimed at creating infographics that illustrate the impact of plastic throughout its lifecycle.

Paving the way to a zero-single use future

Local authorities, thanks to their expertise and proximity to citizens, play a central role in the fight against single-use packaging. Through a collective approach involving citizens, businesses, and public authorities, the transition to a local reuse economy can truly become a tangible and accessible reality for all.

Want to know more? Here is the full article written by Zero Waste France.