A few years ago, all the trash cans in the Luxembourg garden disappeared all at once, to be replaced by big “sorting hubs,” which are much fewer in number but so much bulkier. Just a few weeks ago, a similar phenomenon occurred around the Notre-Dame forecourt, and the banks of the Seine are next in line. But how could the removal of dozens of trash cans help combat the filth in the capital?
An unconventional strategy…
It’s true, Parisians can sometimes be a bit lazy. The evidence is clear: there are many, too many who can’t seem to take 3 steps to throw their cigarette butts in a trash can instead of using the gutter as their personal waste bin.
in the streets of the capital. So naturally, when we hear that the city plans to eliminate around 30,000 trash bins in the coming months, we can’t help but think that it's a slightly risky strategy for the future of the planet.La Ville de Paris supprime des poubelles de rue.
— jdse (@JCQDSE) February 1, 2025
Cela paraît incroyable dans une ville aussi sale que notre capitale, et pourtant c'est une politique très discrètement menée par la mairie.
(Petite enquête ⤵️) https://t.co/xqLQl511WO pic.twitter.com/QAuoQeYeeY
The plan for this waste reform includes the installation of sorting zones all across the capital, featuring XL models made up of 10 360-liter bins. This is where things get a bit complex. While these bins will indeed be much larger than the current 100L wrought iron containers, there will also be significantly fewer of them. This policy doesn't have universal support, as seen with Philippe Goujon, the mayor of the 15th, who actually wants to add new bins everywhere.
…which is, however, bearing fruit
Yet, despite an apparent contradiction, it seems that this somewhat paradoxical strategy on paper is rather effective. At least, that's what the experience has shown, especially during the JO in Paris, where similar hubs have been successfully set up in the busiest areas of the capital. Not only do people make the effort, but they also practice selective sorting, allowing for better recycling of various waste.
Paris, ville lumière ? Aujourd’hui, c’est surtout la ville des ordures. Les poubelles débordent, les trottoirs étouffent. Triste reflet d’une gestion urbaine à bout de souffle. pic.twitter.com/I663DRdZdS
— Mélania (@MelaniaFrance) May 15, 2025
In the same spirit, some trash bins have been removed in the 13th, near the Porte de Choisy. There, at the intersection between the T3a and the T9, people have gotten into the habit of dumping their household waste right at the foot of the bins, creating piles of garbage. By taking away these containers, the city has noticed a decrease in illegal dumping. It's a somewhat strange policy, yet it seems to be working. And it won't hurt anyone to have to take a few extra steps to throw away their lunch leftovers!
