VIDEO. End of disposable packaging in fast food restaurants, really? We have checked
Since January 1, 2023, reusable tableware has in principle been compulsory in fast food restaurants for meals served on site. Is this really the case in fast food restaurants in Rouen (Seine-Maritime)? We did the test.
It was a key measure of the law relating to the fight against waste and the circular economy (Agec) voted in 2020… After plastic straws, exit the cups, lids, plates, containers and disposable cutlery in fast food.
Since January 1, 2023, when this law was introduced, you will only find plastic reusable tableware and washable in fast food restaurants.
“It’s important to put a stop to this model, which is absolutely not sustainable and which produces a lot of negative environmental impacts.”
Muriel Papin, general delegate of No plastic to my seafranceinfo
According to AFP, in French McDonald’s establishments, “at 1uh January, 90% of the chain’s restaurants will be ready“Is this really the case in Rouen?
We did the test at McDonald’s restaurant in Mont Riboudet from Rouen. Over there, put an end to disposable packaging and make way for reusable ones!
All trays served on site are made of washable dishes.
Another change in the trash cans, several bins are reserved for these reusable packaging.
A few bins kept for disposable packaging (napkins, sauce packaging, etc.) and leftover food.
On the other hand, at Burger King restaurant on rue du Gros-Horloge in Rouen, the measure is not respected. All trays served in restaurants contain disposable packaging.
Questioned by our journalists, a restaurant employee did not seem to know that since 2023 the law has required fast food restaurants to use reusable tableware.
It’s a change of system for big brands like McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Dominos Pizza or Quickly done which serve approximately 6 billion meals per year in 40,000 establishments, according to our colleagues from around the world.
According to figures from the Ministry of Ecological Transition, “this measure allowsavoid 180,000 tonnes of waste per year“, says Christophe Béchu, Minister of Ecological Transition.
For the time being, this obligation only concerns establishments that can accommodate at least 20 seats indoors and excludes take-out and delivery meals.
In the event of non-compliance with the measure, fast food brands incur a penalty which may amount to 1,500 to 15,000 euros fine.