Bonus-malus on all things not "green"

[Clair]

It was confirmed yesterday that there would be a "green" tax applied on all non-recyclable plastics ans cardboards. This has been called the "taxe pique-nique" and exists already in Belgium.

The objective is to discourage consumers from buying disposable products and encourage the use of reusable products. Over the last

forty years, the tonnage of refuse produced by French households doubled.

Disposable plates and boxes now account for about 70,000 tons of waste.

To

avoid the use of the scary word "taxe", manufacturers are trying to

propose an alternative mechanism in the form of an "eco-contribution".

[quote]There is already a tax on highly polluting products. [This] extends it to a range of complementary products, plates and plastic cutlery and

non-recyclable cardboard. The specific terms

remain under discussion. It could be a tax that goes to the state

budget or a eco-contribution which, through a dedicated organisation, would fund recycling

and prevention.

On the matter of scale, the Minister quoted an example of 0.90 € per kilo for plastic-covered paper plates.

For the CEO of

Eco-Packaging, Bernard Hérodin, "the concept is good, it sends a signal

through prices which may accompany awareness. But many disposable

products have been forgotten. The term "taxe pique-nique", which is a popular short cut, is a caricature." The Socialist Party was content to

denounce "bad news" for purchasing power.[/quote]

After the positive results shown on new car purchases (in 2008 to date, sales of the most energy-greedy cars fell by 40%, while those of more sober models increased by 45%) the bonus-malus system already applied to cars, where purchases of new cars are subject to a extra fee or refund according to an eco-scale, is likely to be extended to a wide range of energy-comsuming goods like computers, TVs, mobile phones, washing-machines, car tyres, fridges, paints...

In the same breath, there is also talk of increasing the household refuse taxes. They are taxed at 10 € per tonne, but the fee is 30

€ in G-B,  40€ in Sweden and 85 € in the Netherlands. The tax would be raised to 20 € per tonne

in 2009. It would be increased to 30 € in 2012 and 40 € in 2015.

Today's press rumours of a bonus-malus applied to households according to their electricity consumption has been categorically denied by the ministère du Développement durable. It had been suggested that "from 2010, households using energy at peak rate would be penalised and those using energy at off-peak hours would be encouraged by means of a financial incentive." The idea was said to have been discussed at a

meeting with industry professionals.

The

ministry denies holding such a meeting and explained that a "dialogue"

is under way with operators on a possible revision of electricity tariffs which are "30 years old."

Compiled from several news items.

[Benjamin]

Thanks for providing this information Clair.

Our charges for rubbish disposal (Serivce des Dechets Menagers) increased by 8% this year. The reason given in the accompanying letter was that this was entirely due to the increase in tonnage which the contractors had to deal with i e the failure of the members of the Commune to recyle sufficiently. As we put one sack containing about 20 litres of rubbish in our bin for collection each week and recycle the remainder I think it's about time the Government spent more time and effort in educating people to recycle than in dreaming up ever more taxes.

The sight of so many of our neighbours' bins with bulging lids on collection day may then be a thing of the past.

[Clair]

[quote user="Benjamin"]Our charges for rubbish disposal (Serivce des Dechets Menagers) increased by 8% this year. The reason given in the accompanying letter was that this was entirely due to the increase in tonnage which the contractors had to deal with i e the failure of the members of the Commune to recyle sufficiently.[/quote]

We had a similar letter from our maire, stating that our commune was second to last in the departement in percentage of properly recycled household refuse... [:'(]

[Clair]

Proposal to tax plastic forks sticks in the throats of les pique-niqueurs

France plans tax on uncivilised picnics

[Cat]

It looks as if the planned "picnic" tax has been scrapped.

Extension du bonus-malus : Fillon désavoue Borloo

Shame.

 

[Clair]

p**s-up and brewery...