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Is office paper sorting compulsory?

Yes, for any site bringing together more than 20 people that produces or holds paper waste: articles D.

Updated 25 September 2026 · Sources at the bottom of the page · Text version

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Short answer

Yes, for any site with more than 20 people that produces or holds paper waste: articles D. 543-285 to D. 543-287 of the French Environmental Code require office paper to be sorted at source and collected separately. This obligation applies independently of 6/8-stream sorting, including to public administrations. MMinistry

The text

Under articles D. 543-285 to D. 543-287 of the French Environmental Code, sites with more than 20 people that produce or hold paper waste must sort it at source and have it collected separately, whether or not they are subject to 6/8-stream sorting.

In practice

A labelled paper stream in every office area: it is the first stream of an office sorting station, often alongside packaging and residual waste. See which recycling bin for offices.

Sources

Razvan Toma
Written byRazvan Toma

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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