REP Building: an untenable situation for companies in the Île-de-France region

Designed to structure a virtuous cycle for managing construction waste, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for the building sector is currently failing to deliver on its promises. Faced with the injustice suffered by construction companies and tradespeople, the French Building Federation (FFB) for the Greater Paris region (Greater Paris Île-de-France) is raising the alarm about a system that is essential but deeply dysfunctional.

Implemented since 2023, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for the construction sector aims to structure an efficient system for the collection, recycling, and reuse of construction waste for building companies. Producers apply a systematic eco-contribution when purchasing construction products and materials, which is paid to eco-organizations responsible for organizing free take-back solutions for construction waste.

On the ground, the situation is extremely dire. Despite a genuine need and a strong commitment from professionals, the system is not working. Construction companies and tradespeople are facing a cascade of malfunctions in the free waste collection services, even as eco-contributions continue to be levied and increased. Faced with the government's inaction in overseeing eco-organizations, the legal action filed by the French Building Federation (FFB) in September 2025 to hold the government accountable is now before the Council of State. However, a first step forward is worth noting: the arguments put forward by the FFB have been heard by the Minister Delegate for Ecological Transition, Mathieu Lefèvre, paving the way for a start in addressing the problem.

In the Île-de-France region, an underperforming sector

In the Île-de-France region, the territorial network is largely insufficient and often inoperative. While 378 official collection points were recorded at the end of 2025, the reality on the ground is quite different: closed, inaccessible or too far away points, refused waste, cumbersome administrative procedures, and charges for services that are supposed to be free.

The Union of Building Federations of Île-de-France* actively participates in the consultation process organized by the Region with all stakeholders. However, the current conditions of these discussions do not allow for constructive dialogue. The structuring of speaking time during the consultation meeting primarily benefited eco-organizations, to the detriment of feedback from organizations representing businesses. The three Île-de-France Federations have therefore sent a letter to the Île-de-France Regional Council, requesting that these meetings, in the future, allow businesses, the primary stakeholders in the building sector, to be heard.

The French Building Federation (FFB) Grand Paris Île-de-France reaffirms its commitment to reducing and recycling construction waste. It calls for a rapid and operational improvement of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for the building sector, so that it finally meets the concrete needs of companies in the industry. The Federation wishes to continue working constructively with the Region and all stakeholders to ensure that current issues are recognized and addressed without delay.

*Bringing together the FFB Grand Paris Ile-de-France, the FFB Région Ile-de-France and the FFB Ile-de-France Est.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.