Waste Management on the Islands
18 March 2022
Global Recycling Day, initiated by the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), is an opportunity to revisit the issues related to waste sorting and to raise awareness of the need to give waste a second life, in order to limit the impact of our consumption on environmental preservation.
Waste recycling on the islands of Morbihan
The islands of Morbihan, which we serve daily from Quiberon and Lorient, are directly affected by the challenges of waste management. While Belle-Île-en-Mer has the smallest landfill site in France, the islands of Groix, Houat, and Hoëdic must transport by boat their packaging, non-recyclable waste, glass, paper, and textiles to the mainland. Every year, the equivalent of nearly four Olympic swimming pools of waste is either buried or brought back to the continent.
The influx of tourists during the summer on the islands of Southern Brittany increases these challenges, as waste production rises on average by 20% in July and August. To offset this increase, the islands have chosen to give a second life to some of their waste. For instance, they grind their organic waste (shells, crustaceans, peelings, etc.) with green waste so that partner farmers can recover compost.
Good habits to adopt
Driven by the desire to preserve the territories we serve, we aim to raise awareness among travelers about waste management issues.
We recommend that day visitors adopt zero-waste habits by limiting packaged goods and using reusable containers and utensils. Note that there are few or no public trash bins outdoors on the islands. Remaining waste must therefore be sorted and disposed of on the mainland or onboard our vessels. Compagnie Océane has installed sorting bins in terminals and on all ships.
For longer stays in accommodations, hotels, or campsites, waste sorting should be carried out according to the specific rules of each island. Plastic packaging is considered yellow waste (trays, yogurt pots, plastic bags, etc.). Non-recyclable waste must be separated from organic waste.
Lastly, the “bacs à marée” (shoreline collection bins) along the coast are not intended for waste generated by walkers. Only marine debris washed ashore should be collected and placed in these bins.
Learn more
To learn more about waste management in Belle-Île-en-Mer by CCBI: https://youtu.be/g6qdZRile-w
Daily sorting habits promoted by Lorient Agglomération: https://www.lorient-agglo.bzh/file