Late last year, Fost Plus launched a reward initiative aimed at intermunicipal waste companies. The goal? To encourage them in a positive way to step up their efforts on the ground in the fight against sorting errors in PMD. ILVA and IDM came out on top.
From alarming figures to action
With a worrying 14% sorting error rate in PMD, tackling residual waste was a key priority in our 2025 strategy. Changing behaviour and mindsets is a long-term effort — and not one you take on alone. And who better placed to encourage people to sort correctly than the intermunicipal waste companies and their collection teams?
Four pillars, one mission
An initiative was set up in which intermunicipal companies had to demonstrate that their collectors meet four key criteria to make a real difference on the ground:
- Applying refusal stickers to PMD bags with visible sorting errors, reminding residents of their responsibility
- Training collectors to be the first point of contact for residents
- Attending sorting analyses of bags from their own region, to better understand local challenges
- Drawing up their own action plan to reduce major and hazardous sorting errors
We wanted to end the year on a positive note. The immediate impact of campaigns isn't always felt straight away, and to motivate the intermunicipal companies to go the extra mile, we opted for a reward initiative linked to a commitment of means. Any company that could demonstrate progress across all four pillars was eligible. ILVA and IDM clearly stood out, thanks in part to their internal organisation and the enthusiasm of their staff.
A reward for those who make the difference
The prize is a reward for the waste collectors themselves, the people who brave wind and rain day after day, doing work that is both physically and figuratively demanding.
On 2 April, ILVA visited the PreZero PMD sorting centre. The collectors were given a behind-the-scenes tour and treated to delicious fries. It gave them a first-hand look at what happens to the bags they collect every day and the crucial role they play in closing the materials loop.
IDM has opted for a different moment: they are organising a food truck to coincide with Waste Team Week in early June. A double celebration guaranteed.
2026: the fight continues
The reward initiative hit the mark, but the battle against residual waste is far from over. In 2026, the fight continues with new initiatives in the pipeline. To be continued...