River management of waste via the Seine Basin

Given the enormous volumes produced by the construction sector, it accounts for most of the  waste transported along the Seine Basin (77%), followed by scrap metal (10%) and, incinerator bottom ash (6%). The remaining 7% is made up of non-hazardous industrial waste, paper and cardboard, household waste and green waste, all of which represent smaller volumes. In 2023, the principal port of departure for the majority of these waste products was the Port of Gennevilliers, followed by the Port of Bonneuil-sur-Marne. These multimodal platforms are the two largest ports in Ile-de-France and a high concentration of waste collection sites are located around them. The Seine Aval sector (between Paris and Le Havre) is the main outlet for waste from Grand Paris, particularly Le Havre, but also in the Eure at Bouafles and Poses, two ports strategically located close to quarries.

Although today, the use of waterways for waste management remains limited in Grand Paris, most waste being transported by lorry, it has several advantages, not least the reduction of heavy good vehicles on the road and green house gas emissions. Given the maturity of waterway logistics in various sectors, as well as the sources identified, certain sectors appear to be more ready and robust for development. This is particularly the case for construction waste, paper and cardboard and green waste. Bottom ash and scrap metal are already established items in the river transportation system. The potential for expansion in the Public Works and Construction Sector is enormous, considering the waste deposits that exist in Grand Paris, the closeness of waterway treatment sites and the favourable regulatory framework. Trial initiatives such as "Tri en Seine" for paper and cardboard and "Feuilles en Seine" for green waste, have demonstrated the great development potential of river transport in these sectors.