Recycling waste to achieve both social and environmental goals

Recycling waste to achieve both social and environmental goals

Why destroy items that still have practical value when others can make use of them? How can we transition to a circular and sustainable economy by addressing simple everyday problems?

L'ATELIER D'éco SOLIDAIRE has created a creative recycling center in Bordeaux to address these issues. Since 2010, it has been a driving force for social innovation in the reuse of materials, objects, and furniture that people want to get rid of.

The creative recycling center serves as a hub for collection, upcycling, resale, and environmental education. It brings together men and women aged 17 to 77—including volunteers, staff members, and young volunteers in civic service—to collaborate harmoniously on artistic projects with social and environmental benefits.

The ultimate goal of ATELIER D’éco SOLIDAIRE is to create local jobs by restoring value to our waste. To date, the association has 14 employees, 10 of whom are on permanent contracts.

By the numbers:

• - 12 tons of waste reused or repurposed 
• - 1,000 tons of waste recycled 
• - 10,000 tons of waste landfilled or incinerated 

Our association’s activities

Collection: At the heart of our work, waste (furniture, knick-knacks, dishes, books, textiles, commercial waste, etc.) is collected from individuals and businesses, providing us with materials to reuse. Total waste collected in 2015: 129 tons.

Upcycling: We repair, reinvent, and transform all kinds of furniture and materials to give them a second life. Volunteers, visual artists, designers, stylists, graphic designers, artisans, and people in job training programs share the workshop’s workload in a friendly atmosphere that fosters rich and meaningful social connections.

Sales: We sell furniture and other raw items at very low prices, reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills or incinerators. Items that have undergone creative upcycling are sold at a higher price. These financial resources contribute to the Recyclerie créative’s self-sufficiency. In 2015, 93 tons were reused, and 39 tons were sent to certified recycling channels.

In addition to furniture that has undergone creative repurposing, we also offer a commercial space design service. We design and create customized, one-of-a-kind pieces for each business using materials sourced from recovery channels—an approach fully aligned with CSR principles.

Awareness-raising: We organize or participate in public events and engage with various institutions (middle schools, ITEPs, elementary schools, etc.) to raise awareness about the benefits—for people and the environment—of giving objects and furniture a second life.

Hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m.–12 p.m. 1 p.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.–12 p.m.