What the Project Is
Bicy is a company that collects CO2-free organic waste from professionals and communities to valorize it locally. The project, founded on the principles of sustainability, is committed to preserving natural resources by transforming organic waste into valuable resources like compost and biogas. Bicy supports private companies and local authorities towards a sustainable circular economy and complies with the Agec law regarding the sorting of food waste. With a core focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from incinerated organic waste, which in France amounts to about 10 million tons produced each year, the initiative offers a fresh approach to waste management. Every week, Bicy collects organic waste using 100% electric vehicles, ensuring that even the collection process contributes minimally to CO2 emissions. In its drive to valorize waste at a local level, the company not only changes how food waste is seen but also reinforces community engagement in building a cleaner and healthier environment… truly, a modern solution with a keen eye on sustainability.
Main Benefits
Key figures and facts highlight the measurable impact and benefits of the project:
- +2500 tons of organic waste saved
- +1150 tons of CO₂ saved
- +15 jobs created
- +700 collection points established
Organic Waste Collection Process
The process is straightforward, yet highly efficient. With Bicy, recycling organic waste has never been easier… Each week, organic waste such as meal leftovers, peels, and coffee grounds is collected in designated Bicy containers, which are then emptied by Bicy Collectors using 100% electric vehicles. After collection, the containers are stored in a transfer area situated less than 100 km from the collection zones. From here, the organic waste is carefully transferred into a specific bin and moved to an outlet less than 150 km away. At this outlet, local partners take over to valorize the waste, turning it into quality compost or processing it through methanization. This detailed journey from the point of collection to final transformation reinforces the seamless collaboration between technology and nature, enabling organic waste to be repurposed into resources that benefit local agriculture and energy networks.
Sustainable Circular Economy
The project plays a crucial role in facilitating a sustainable circular economy. With a turnkey service model that adapts to various types of collection, whether door-to-door or via voluntary drop-off points, the initiative has been adopted by more than 450 private companies and multiple local authorities. Bicy’s engagement extends from metropolitan areas and communities of municipalities to rural settings, ensuring that sustainable waste management practices are accessible wherever needed. In a natural pause, it is impressive how the process not only diverts waste from incineration but also transforms it into two vital resources. The compost produced enriches local farms, and the biogas from methanization is fed into supply circuits, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This integrated approach guarantees that every step in the chain is designed to foster resilience and environmental integrity.
Local Impact and Community Engagement
Bicy’s local impact is significant. Specialized in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the project collects professionals’ food waste in Bordeaux by bike and recycles it into 100% natural compost. This compost is then given to local farmers and urban landscapers, promoting a circular economy that nurtures the land. Besides its technical efficiency, the project has a strong community spirit. The collaboration with local authorities to install and manage collection points for citizens not only increases accessibility but also raises awareness about sustainable practices. In a friendly tone that resonates with community members, the project breathes life into everyday practices, turning waste into an opportunity for local growth and environmental well-being. The small yet meaningful actions of sorting and disposing of food waste correctly now contribute directly to local sustainability efforts.
Additional Operational Insights
Bicy’s operational process is designed to be simple and efficient. Professionals and communities are encouraged to sort their organic waste using marked Bicy containers. The collection is carried out on a regular weekly schedule, ensuring that household and commercial waste does not accumulate and create odor or hygiene issues. Working within a 100 km radius for transfer zones and 150 km for outlets means that the entire process remains local, efficient, and, most importantly, environmentally friendly. This local focus not only helps in reducing transportation emissions but also assists in building a robust local network where responsible waste management is at the forefront. The careful orchestration of collection, transfer, and transformation reflects a thoughtful integration of environmental technology with a passion for community welfare.
Project Impact and SDGs
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13 – Climate Action
- SDG 15 – Life on Land
Innovation in Organic Waste Management
The project is an outstanding illustration of innovation in organic waste management. By using 100% electric vehicles for collection and ensuring that each step—from the Bicy container collection to the local transformation into compost or methanization—happens within close proximity, Bicy has created a system that is as eco-friendly as it is efficient. In Bordeaux and across Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the initiative sets a benchmark for sustainable practices by integrating local resources, technology, and community participation. The contact point at 130 rue Achard, 33300 Bordeaux, along with a dedicated email for inquiries, underscores the commitment to transparency and local engagement. This approach not only safeguards natural resources but also reinforces the message that sustainable waste management is achievable with innovative thinking and dynamic partnerships… a future where organic waste is not a problem but a powerful resource waiting to be unlocked.
