French recycler Derichebourg Environnement has inaugurated an electronic scrap recycling facility near Paris. The EUR 25 million site at Bonneuil-sur-Marne features advanced technology to process boilers and refrigerators.
The facility’s refrigerator recycling line has an annual capacity of 15 000 tonnes and a heavy scrap metal shredder producing 3 000 tonnes per month. Its roof carries 2 500 solar panels supplying up to 25% of the electricity from renewable sources.
Developed in collaboration with the eco-organisation Ecosystem, the site recovers metals, plastics and polyurethane foam while capturing fluorinated gases.
A nearby river and sea loading dock handles around 20 000 tonnes of recycled steel per annum. Derichebourg says this strengthens its low-carbon transport.
Tackling boilers
The new plant includes a first for the Île-de-France region: a dedicated water-heater processing line, reinforcing Derichebourg’s commitment to ‘modern, efficient recycling’.
France has nearly 16 million boilers, many containing fluorinated gases harmful to the ozone layer. Recycling them in specialised facilities prevents the release of 2.3 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of scrap.
The refrigerator line received France Relance funding, and the Île-de-France region co-financed the water-heater line.
E-cycling leader
Derichebourg operates 13 e-scrap facilities in France. Each year it recycles over one million refrigerators (52 000 tonnes, 97% recovered), 4.6 million washing machines and ovens (230 000 tonnes, 90% recovered) and 12 500 tonnes of small appliances, of which 87% is recovered.
The company will open similar recycling hubs in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Pays de la Loire and Grand Est regions in 2026.
‘For 20 years, Ecologic has built a strong e-scrap network, a true pillar of the circular economy,’ says Ecosystem president René-Louis Perrier. ‘Partnering with Derichebourg strengthens France’s sovereignty in metals and resources. We are proud to collaborate with a reliable and innovative partner.’
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