AGEC law: mandatory water fountains in public buildings, a turning point in reducing plastic use

Every day, 25 million plastic bottles are thrown away in France, and less than half are recycled. This accumulation of waste has direct consequences on the environment, particularly in terms of water pollution and biodiversity conservation.

To limit this impact, the Anti-Waste Law for a Circular Economy (AGEC), adopted in 2020, imposes progressive measures to reduce the use of single-use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives. This is a major step forward that is gradually transforming consumption habits and industrial production, and could well mark a turning point in the daily lives of French people.

Reducing plastic pollution: an ecological imperative

Single-use plastic, created in 1870, is one of the main causes of environmental pollution. Particularly harmful in aquatic environments, it takes years [1] to decompose, releasing microplastics that enter the food chain.

In response to this situation, organisations such as No Plastic In My Sea are fighting to promote a drastic reduction in the use of plastic. These initiatives are part of the AGEC Law [2], which requires a transition to reusable, biodegradable or recyclable alternatives. The law thus introduces measures to promote the reduction of plastic production, as well as responsible practices among businesses and citizens.

The impact of the AGEC Law on businesses and public buildings

One of the challenges of the AGEC Law is the obligation to install water fountains in public buildings. This measure aims to encourage the consumption of drinking water without resorting to plastic bottles. By encouraging public buildings to provide free water, the law seeks to reduce dependence on disposable plastic containers while promoting more sustainable consumption behaviours.

However, the application of this law raises several practical questions. Some businesses, particularly smaller ones, may find it difficult to finance the installation and maintenance of these fountains. In addition, the obligation to guarantee the sanitary quality of the water distributed, through rigorous controls, requires strict monitoring, which is often costly for establishments. These costs may hinder the implementation of the law, even though it is a significant step towards a plastic-free future.

This is also true in less urbanised areas, where infrastructure costs can be prohibitive. The law provides for certain financial assistance to support public buildings, but more appropriate solutions and greater economic incentives would be needed to overcome these obstacles.

Waste management and recycling: work to be continued

Plastic recycling is another area where the AGEC Law plays a key role. Local initiatives, such as those proposed by No Plastic In My Sea, are campaigning for improvements in sorting and collection infrastructure.

The plastic recycling rate, which stands at 25% nationally and 40% across Europe, remains insufficient in certain regions, mainly due to inadequate or non-existent infrastructure. The implementation of more efficient collection systems and better-equipped recycling centres would not only reduce plastic waste, but also encourage a more functional circular economy.

Consumer awareness: a priority for sustainable change

Another key component of the AGEC law is educating and raising awareness among citizens about plastic issues. The aim is to encourage consumers to adopt sustainable alternatives. Changing behaviour from an early age, made possible in particular by banning plastic bottles in schools, is another effective awareness-raising measure to prepare future generations for responsible consumption.

Mapping water fountains: access to collective well-being

Although there are local initiatives and community websites that list these facilities, encouragement will only come through increased visibility of these structures. There is not yet a centralised national platform whose usefulness would encourage implementation in the field and good consumer practices.

A nationwide census, with up-to-date mapping, would greatly facilitate their adoption by citizens and make this alternative more accessible. Taking into account ecological, societal and public health dimensions, improving the quality of life of users and visitors in urban areas requires easier access to refreshment points. As part of an ecosystemic approach to passenger services, BubblesMapper is committed to supporting the installation and management of a Europe-wide network of drinking fountains, integrated into urban development and recognised by the public for their quality.

The shared objective is to gradually reduce the use of plastic bottles and strengthen the commitment of businesses to ecological transition.

Enforcement of the AGEC Act: an educational approach above all

Although the AGEC Act provides for penalties in the event of non-compliance with obligations, its approach remains primarily educational. The aim is to raise awareness among businesses, local authorities and citizens of the urgency of the ecological transition.

By giving concrete examples, such as the requirement for water fountains, the law seeks to encourage behavioural change rather than impose penalties. However, the introduction of enhanced monitoring and stronger incentives could accelerate this transition and provide the indicators needed to take into account the specific characteristics of each public building.

A decisive step towards a sustainable future?

The AGEC Law represents a turning point in the fight against plastic pollution and in promoting more responsible consumption practices. By imposing obligations such as the installation of water fountains in public buildings, this legislation aims to reduce the use of single-use plastics by offering citizens an accessible alternative to bottled water. However, its implementation faces economic and structural challenges, particularly with regard to the financing and maintenance of the necessary equipment.

The AGEC Law's approach, which focuses on education and encouraging the adoption of sustainable solutions, appears to be a promising lever for transforming long-term behaviour and encouraging the implementation of innovative solutions. It seems crucial to strengthen existing infrastructure, improve data collection and expand the accessibility of water fountains at national and European level. Such an approach will promote a transition to more environmentally friendly consumption habits and enable the ambitious objectives of this law for a plastic-free future to be achieved.

To go further:

Find out your plastic footprint with this 3-minute test/https://noplasticinmysea.org/questionnaire-test/