Assessing the performance of sorting centres for commercial waste in France 

Context of the study

Waste from economic activities (waste produced by businesses rather than households) represents a major resource in France, with around 64 million tonnes generated in 2021 (excluding construction and public works). Its management is now governed by significant regulatory changes: widespread sorting at source (5 then 8 streams), landfill reduction targets and the extension of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. In this context, ADEME launched a national study aimed at gaining a better understanding of the generation of waste from economic activities and their sorting and treatment facilities, measuring their actual performance and anticipating changes in the sector.

Objectives of the study

This study has three main objectives:

1. To take stock of the sorting equipment available on the market and its theoretical performance.
2. Observe and quantify the actual performance of waste from economic activities sorting centres through field audits in order to identify practices, limitations and areas for improvement.
3. Develop a robust performance evaluation methodology and analyse the sector’s prospects for development, particularly with regard to future needs for recycled raw materials.

A four-phase complementary approach

Phase 1: Equipment database

Nearly 50 manufacturers and suppliers were consulted in order to compile a detailed database of equipment that directly or indirectly influences sorting: screens, air and density separators, optical sorters, metal separators, shredders, as well as ancillary equipment (misting, dust removal, conveying). The study identified the functions, usage constraints and typical performance of these technologies. This step established a clear picture of industry standards and served as a reference for comparing theory with practices observed on site.

Phase 2: Audits and actual performance

The audits (18 total) collected consistent data on tonnages, sorting organisation, traceability, recovery methods and the quality of rejects. Variability of the incoming waste stream is a structural challenge for waste from economic activities sorting. To take this into account a simple visual identification methodology was implemented over a week. Characterisations show that mixed streams are composed on average of (see figure 1):

• Wood: 28% (including a large proportion of B-grade wood)
• Inert materials: 19%
• Fine/unrecognisable materials: 34%
• Other materials: 19% (cardboard, plastics, metals, textiles, plaster, etc.)

Figure 1: Average overall mass composition of mixed flows

Recovered outputs (for material recovery) are dominated by wood, cardboard, inert materials and metals, while the rest is sent for energy recovery, RDF, over-sorting or landfill, depending on the economic context and access to downstream channels (see figure 2).

Figure 2: Methods of processing non-recyclable materials (valorisation énergétique = energy recovery, CSR = RDF, surtri = oversorting & enfouissement = landfill)

Phase 3: Performance classification methodology

Based on audit data and collaborative work with operators, the study developed a classification tool based on two sets of criteria:

• Categorisation criteria (to compare similar sorting sites): level of input mixing and number of separation machines, supplemented by annual tonnage and number of output streams.
• Performance criteria:
  • Valoscore: index valuing material outlets in relation to energy outlets or landfill,
  • Rejection rate
  • Rate of recoverable material in rejects, revealing losses of recyclable materials.

Phase 4: Market study of sorted materials

Based on a literature review and interviews with federations and companies, ten waste streams with the highest potential for sorting and recycling within waste from economic activities were identified. This analysis considered market needs, the sectors using recycled materials, and the economic, regulatory, and technical constraints associated with their use.

The results showed that three of the ten waste streams were priority streams, based on their quantities within waste from economic activities and the potential levers for improvement through eco-design, selective collection, sorting, and recycling: PVC, black rigid plastic, and insulation. Strategic recommendations are provided to improve the use of recycled materials

Outlook for the sector

The study highlights that the WEEE sorting sector is undergoing rapid change, driven by the combined effect of:

• Regulatory developments (EPR, carbon tax, etc.)
• Economic conditions in downstream sectors
• Technological progress

In the short term (2025-2030), these trends will generally favour the development of sorting and material recovery, with a more positive impact on mechanised centres, which are better equipped to cope with increasingly complex flows and quality requirements.

Contributions of the study

This study provides a unique reference framework for:

• Better understanding the technological offering and its performance
• Objectively assessing the actual performance of waste from economic activities sorting centres
• Providing a clear and reproducible classification method
• Identifying strategic recycling flows and levers for action
• Anticipating the investments and transformations needed to meet future sorting obligations and industrial needs for recycled raw materials.

It thus provides an operational foundation to support sorting stakeholders, guide public policy and strengthen the transition to an efficient circular economy.

Want to read more about this project? Click here for the full report (only available in french).