A resident of Mormoiron, in the Vaucluse department of France, says waste sorting containers installed just outside her property in April have made her garden unusable. Amélie told TF1's "Le 13H à vos côtés" that the bins sit only 30 centimetres from her wall and have brought visual, noise and sanitary problems, including rats, wasps and strong odours in the sun.
She said she discovered the containers one evening as she came home from work. The local intercommunal authority that installed them was legally entitled to do so without consulting residents, according to the program.
Rules that apply to container placement
Containers cannot be installed anywhere. Anyone in a similar situation should first confirm the containers stand on land owned by the local authority, since that is not always the case. Residents should also check local rules such as the PLU urban planning document, municipal orders or collection regulations, which can include restrictions.
The recommended first step is to request an amicable relocation of the containers. Even though the decision was not the mayor's, the mayor has the power to act, and residents should send a registered letter with photos documenting the nuisances. Emma Leoty, a lawyer specialising in these cases, said a bailiff's official report is always advisable.
If nothing happens, residents can turn to a mediator to reach an acceptable compromise. Even when containers are legally placed, they must not cause recurring illegal dumping or harm public health. The mayor must then use police powers to resolve the issue. As a last resort, residents can bring the matter to an administrative court over abnormal neighbourhood disturbance, seeking to have the bins moved and to be compensated for damages such as lost enjoyment of a garden or reduced property value.
A public meeting planned for September
In Amélie's case, that final step should not be necessary. The mayor of her commune told the program he plans to hold a public meeting by September to propose moving the bins 300 metres away, to another site accessible to garbage trucks. If residents agree, the problem will be solved. If not, he pledged to do everything possible to reduce the nuisances, including regular maintenance of the equipment and zero-tolerance fines for illegal dumping around the containers.
