Waste Management and Recycling in Monaco: A Practical Guide

Waste Management in Monaco

Waste collection and recycling in Monaco is managed by the SMA (Societe Monegasque d'Assainissement), with a workforce of approximately 40 staff operating seven days a week. Monaco uses three complementary collection systems depending on the neighbourhood:

• Door-to-door collection in certain areas, where residents place waste in approved bags on the pavement at designated times
• Underground containers (bornes enterrees) at around 50 drop-off points across the Principality
• Pneumatic vacuum system in the Fontvieille district, where waste is sucked through underground pipes directly to the treatment facility, eliminating the need for collection trucks

To find your specific collection schedule and nearest drop-off points, use the YourMonaco app or visit monservicepublic.gouv.mc.

Recycling: Two-Bin System

Monaco has simplified its recycling system to two bin colours:

• Yellow bins — all household packaging (cardboard, metal cans, plastic bottles and containers), plus paper, newspapers, and magazines
• Green bins — glass packaging only (bottles, jars, glass containers)

Around 30 green glass containers across Monaco are equipped with the Cliiink rewards programme, which credits users for recycling glass.

Items must be empty and reasonably clean before being placed in recycling bins. Do not place textiles, electronics, or hazardous materials in recycling containers.

Bulky Waste

Free bulky waste collection is available for Monaco residents from Monday to Friday. To arrange a collection of furniture, appliances, or other large items, call the SMA switchboard at +377 92 05 75 16 to book an appointment. Items in usable condition can also be donated to local charities.

Hazardous and Special Waste

Batteries, electronics, chemicals, medications, and other hazardous materials must never be placed in regular or recycling bins. Options for disposal include:

• SMA mobile mini waste collection centre (mini dechetterie mobile): deployed one Saturday per month in a different district from 9:00 to 13:00, accepting special household waste
• Dedicated drop-off points for batteries and small electronics among the 50 collection points across Monaco
• Monaco Recycling (monacorecycling.mc) handles electronic waste (DEEE) collection for businesses

Waste-to-Energy

Monaco's waste-to-energy plant in Fontvieille has been in operation since 1980 (the site has hosted incineration facilities since 1898). It processes up to 80,000 tonnes per year and generates both electricity fed to the public grid and steam for a district heating and cooling network. Fontvieille receives approximately 95% of its heating and 30% of its cooling from this facility. A new Energy Recovery Unit is planned to replace the ageing plant.

Environmental Goals

Monaco generates approximately 46,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, with around 3,400 tonnes of cardboard, glass, and household packaging currently recycled. The government has adopted a Waste Prevention and Management Plan with a target of zero single-use plastic waste by 2030.

SMA Contact Information

See also: Health Insurance, Utilities Setup