From the expanded use of yellow bins to the composting of organic waste, including the “Pays Propre” campaigns and efforts to combat illegal dumping, Martinique is transforming its approach to waste. This guide provides an overview of the rules, stakeholders, infrastructure, and initiatives that are shaping a cleaner, more circular region.

Key Takeaways

Since 2026, all packaging and paper have been sorted into the yellow bin in Martinique
Composting and the recycling of food waste have become a strategic driver for the region
Thrift stores, repair shops, and yard sales form the backbone of the secondhand economy
The "Pays Propre" and "Kay Pwop" initiatives are bringing together citizens, municipalities, and organizations
Martinique is developing local infrastructure to process and recycle its waste on site

Waste Sorting in Martinique: Rules That Changed in 2026

As of January 1, 2026, recycling guidelines have changed throughout Martinique. Here’s what you need to know to recycle properly every day.

All packaging and paper should now be placed in the yellow bin
New standardization initiative led by CITEO Outremer
Digital tools to help people make informed decisions about what to throw away

For more information: Sorting Packaging and Paper: What Has Changed in Martinique Since January 1, 2026 · In Martinique, the yellow bin now accepts all packaging and paper · CITEO OUTREMER: In 2026, a change in the rules… · OTRI App: A Tool for Better Waste Sorting

Sorting centers and recycling facilities

Martinique is gradually equipping itself with industrial facilities capable of processing and recycling its waste locally, as close as possible to where it is generated.

Modernization of the Ducos Sorting Center by Martinique Recyclage
Specialized platforms for sludge, boats, or biowaste
Tours and Open Houses to Learn About the Industry

For more information: Martinique Recyclage Opens Its Modernized Sorting Center in Ducos · Denel, a Local and Sustainable Factory · Inauguration of the Essainia Wastewater Treatment Facility · Waste Management Center Open House

Biowaste, compost, and yard waste: a major driver

Organic waste makes up a significant portion of our trash and offers considerable potential for soil improvement in Martinique.

Compost: A Growing Force within the territory
Citizen Engagement Around the «Let’s All Compost!» Campaign»
A Specific Challenge for Businesses and Green Waste

For more information: Biowaste in Martinique: Compost—A Growing Force · March 28–April 12: «Let’s All Compost!» · From Sorting to Recycling: Food Waste and Green Waste at the Heart of Martinique Companies’ Performance · Permaculture in All Its Forms

Waste Reduction and the Zero-Waste Approach

Before sorting waste, the best kind of waste is the kind we don’t produce in the first place. Martinique is organizing more and more events focused on waste prevention.

European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR), an annual highlight
International Zero Waste Day on March 30
The Role of Local Organizations Working on the Ground

For more information: March 30: International Zero Waste Day · SERD 2026: A preparatory webinar on May 19 · Waste Reduction: The Zero Waste Association on the Front Lines · Overview of Prevention Policies in Martinique

Reuse, Repair, and Secondhand

Repair, donate, or trade: these are all actions that extend the life of objects and reduce the strain on resources.

Recycling centers as a 100% zero-waste solution that is % sustainable
Repair Cafés and Refurbishment Workshops
Garage sales, clothing drives, and charity events

For more information: Recycling Center, the zero-waste solution, 100% sustainable development… · Repair Instead of Throwing Away · April 11: A Simple Clothing Challenge to Support a Good Cause · Nothing but joy at the Schoelcher yard sale

Trash Collection and Community Cleanup Initiatives

Beaches, hills, rivers: Citizen efforts to clean up Martinique are ongoing, led by organizations and local governments.

A Nationwide Effort for a Cleaner Country
Combating Illegal Dumping with the Conservatoire du littoral
Targeted campaigns such as «Carnaval la rivé, déché ka resté»

For more information: A Nationwide Effort for a Cleaner Country · The Coastal Conservation Agency is waging a campaign against illegal dumping · Waste Collection Campaign with the SEME Association · Invitation: La Rivé Carnival—Don't Miss It!

Plastic: Innovation and the Fight Against Pollution

From plastic sargassum in the ocean to everyday uses, the fight against plastic pollution is rallying businesses, apprentices, and citizens.

ECOGAINE: Turning Plastic Pollution into Building Material
Plastic Attack and Awareness Campaigns
End of Single-Use Plastics in Commercial Settings

For more information: ECOGAINE. When apprentices from Martinique turn plastic waste into building materials · First "Plastic Attack" Campaign in Martinique · Ending Single-Use Plastics: A Workshop to Inform Professionals · Screening of the documentary: "Plastic Everywhere! Stories of Waste"

Special Waste: Pesticides, Boats, Bulky Items

Certain types of waste cannot be disposed of just anywhere: they require specialized disposal systems to prevent pollution and contamination.

One-time collections of agricultural waste
Recycling End-of-Life Vessels at Sea
Recycling of Sewage Sludge Through Terraviva

For more information: Pesticide Waste Collection in Martinique. April 21 and 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. · Marine Pollution: How to Recycle Your Boat? · TERRAVIVA: The Utilization of Sewage Sludge

Public Policies and Waste Management Plan

Waste management in Martinique is carried out within a strategic framework established in collaboration with local governments, ADEME, and economic stakeholders.

Development and Monitoring of the Waste Prevention and Management Plan (PPGD)
Overview of Prevention Policies in the Region
Kay Pwop Operations to inform residents on a town-by-town basis

For more information: Waste Management: Follow the Steps for Developing the Plan (PPGD) · Overview of Prevention Policies in Martinique · Kay Pwop: New Publications from Martinique · Kay Pwop Rivière-Pilote: Final Stage on March 25

Businesses and the Circular Economy in Martinique

Local businesses play a central role in transforming waste into resources and building a more circular economy.

Support for Businesses from the Martinique Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI)
Recycling of Biowaste and Green Waste in the Workplace
Waste: The Potential «New Oil» of the Local Economy

For more information: The Martinique Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports businesses in achieving sustainable performance · From Sorting to Recycling: Food Waste and Green Waste at the Heart of Martinique Companies’ Performance · Recycling: Will Waste Become the New Oil on a Global Scale? · Companies Committed to the Environment

Consume responsibly to reduce waste

Reducing waste also depends on our consumption choices: local, fair-trade, and eco-friendly products.

ILÉCO and Guides for Eco-Conscious Consumers
Fair Trade and Committed Stakeholders in Martinique
Anti-waste initiatives such as Disco Soupe

For more information: ILÉCO: Serving the Eco-Conscious Consumer · Fair Trade in Martinique · Agathe from the Disco Soupe Martinique organization · Share, Take Action, and Consume More Responsibly

Stay Informed and Take Action Every Day

There are many tools, events, and stakeholders that enable everyone to take concrete steps toward a more responsible approach.

World Recycling Day on March 18
Documentaries and interactive sessions
Resources and guides for further exploration

For more information: March 18: World Recycling Day! · New documentary: Come join us for a trash cleanup! · Learn more about waste… · The Volunteer Initiatives Village Returns in 2018

CONCLUSION:

Ultimately, what is at stake today in Martinique goes far beyond the simple issue of recycling. A gradual transformation of our habits, our infrastructure, and our consumption patterns is currently underway. The rules have changed, the tools are being put in place, and the infrastructure is being strengthened, but nothing will work fully without everyone’s ongoing involvement.

The region is making progress with concrete, local solutions tailored to its specific circumstances. The larger yellow bin makes recycling easier, composting restores value to what we used to throw away, citizen-led initiatives remind us that keeping our community clean is everyone’s responsibility, and businesses are beginning to see waste as a resource rather than a burden.

Momentum has been built, but it remains fragile. The volume of unsorted waste remains high, and there is significant room for improvement. Success will depend on consistent action, education, and the ability to permanently embed these practices into daily life.

In other words, Martinique has laid the groundwork. The next step is to build on this success by ensuring that sorting, reusing, and reducing waste are no longer one-off efforts, but rather sustainable habits practiced throughout the entire territory.

Philippe Pied

Frequently Asked Questions

What can be put in the yellow bin in Martinique in 2026?

As of January 1, 2026, the yellow bin accepts all packaging and paper, without exception, as part of the new standardization initiative led by CITEO Outremer.

Is there an app to help you sort your trash properly?

Yes, the app OTRI helps you determine the proper sorting guidelines for each type of waste, taking into account the rules applicable in Martinique.

How can you compost your food waste in Martinique?

Individual and community composting is on the rise, particularly through the «Tous au Compost!» campaign, and it is becoming an increasingly influential force in the region.

Where can you donate or have your items repaired instead of throwing them away?

Upcycling shops, repair cafés, and “repair breakfasts,” as well as local garage sales, help extend the life of objects in line with a zero-waste philosophy.