Waste as a Strategic Resource: Shifting From the Burden of Disposal to Investment Opportunities in Renewable Energy"A case study of France Experience"

Abstract

This study examines the French experience in waste management and energy recovery, by analyzing the issue of balancing recycling objectives and recovery in order to ensure the economic and environmental feasibility of waste management. It is based on the hypothesis that the economic feasibility of waste-to-energy facilities in France depends on the significance of revenues generated from energy sales, on recovery costs being lower than those of non-energy solutions, and on their ability to comply with strict environmental regulations. The study relied on both descriptive and analytical methods. The results showed that the success of the French experience is based on three pillars: financial, through a dual revenue system and tax incentives; technological, through high quality energy production; and legal, through restrict legislation. In addition, it involves the adoption of decentralized governance granting municipalities broad powers, and the implementation of continuous monitoring standards to ensure public acceptance and environmental protection.