# 2, 3, 4 or 5 streams: how many streams should you choose for a recycling bin? By Razvan Toma (Founder, PoubelleTri) · updated 2026-09-25 ## Short answer 2 streams is the minimum required for the public in an ERP (public-access building) generating more than 1,100 L of waste per week (packaging and paper, biowaste). 3 streams (paper, packaging, residual waste) is the most common configuration in offices. 4 streams adds glass or biowaste in cafeterias. 5 streams is justified in catering, with liquids, packaging, biowaste, paper and residual waste. ## By location | Streams | Who it applies to | |---|---| | 2 | Public in an ERP (legal minimum above 1,100 L/week) | | 3 | Offices, halls, arcades | | 4 | Cafeterias, break areas, sites with glass | | 5 | Fast food and catering | ## Obligations The obligations cover the streams to sort, not the form of the bins: see business obligations and ERP obligations. ## Sources - Service-Public Entreprendre — Source separation of business waste (checked 17 March 2025) https://poubelletri.fr/en/reponses/combien-de-flux-poubelle-tri/ · more: ·