Short answer
The reference colours recommended nationally are: yellow for packaging (and often paper), green for glass, brown for biowaste, grey or black for residual waste, blue for paper/cardboard when collected separately. No decree makes these colours compulsory: local authorities keep control of their sorting instructions, hence local differences. Sources (2)MMinistryMinistry — Waste sorting↗SSénatFrench Senate — written question on harmonised bin colours (2023)↗
The reference colour code
| Colour | Streams |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Packaging (and paper where collected together) |
| Blue | Paper/cardboard collected separately |
| Green | Glass |
| Brown | Biowaste |
| Grey or black | Residual household waste |
Compulsory or recommended?
Recommended. Harmonisation is driven by national recommendations and encouraged by the 2015 and 2020 (AGEC) laws, but no text makes colours compulsory. In a business, follow your waste collector's instructions.
On our stations
Bin and pictogram colours chosen when ordering, at no extra cost.
Sources
- Ministry — Waste sorting Ministry
- French Senate — written question on harmonised bin colours (2023) Sénat
Founder of PoubelleTri. Has designed and made recycling stations for businesses and local authorities since 2010: more than 16 years of B2B manufacturing experience.
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