Paris's Green Leap: VINCI's €208M Eco-Plant to Use Riverways

NANTERRE, France – January 14, 2026 – A groundbreaking project set to redefine urban waste management in the Paris region is moving forward, with construction giant VINCI securing a major contract to overhaul the Romainville-Bobigny household waste treatment plant. Through its subsidiary Chantiers Modernes Construction, VINCI will lead the €208 million portion of a €237 million total contract awarded by Syctom, the metropolitan agency for household waste services. The ambitious renovation aims not only to modernize an aging facility but to transform it into a benchmark for environmental sustainability and community integration.

The 39-month project, slated to begin in March 2026, will serve approximately 6 million people in the Seine-Saint-Denis area. It involves a comprehensive reconstruction that includes a new facility for incoming household waste, the conversion of an existing building into a biowaste transfer station, and the creation of a pioneering river freight port—all while the current plant remains operational to prevent any disruption in service.

A New Era for Parisian Waste Management

This renovation is a critical response to the evolving challenges of waste management in one of Europe's largest metropolitan areas. The Greater Paris region generates over 3 million tons of waste annually, yet its recycling rate of approximately 28% lags behind the European average. Syctom's decision to modernize the Romainville-Bobigny plant is a strategic move to address this gap and adapt to new regulations.

A key driver for the project is France's Anti-Waste Circular Economy Law (AGEC), which mandated the separate collection of biowaste for all households and businesses as of January 1, 2024. With biowaste accounting for nearly a third of household refuse, the new facility is designed to meet this demand head-on. By 2029, the plant is projected to process 40,000 tonnes of biowaste annually, integrating it into a total capacity of 450,000 tonnes per year. This modernization is essential for Syctom to fulfill its mandate of providing local, efficient treatment solutions and advancing Paris's broader zero-waste strategy. The project will replace aging infrastructure with a state-of-the-art complex designed to meet future regulatory demands and long-term waste processing needs.

From Road to River: A Carbon-Cutting Innovation

The project's most significant environmental innovation is the construction of a river freight port on the Canal de l’Ourcq. This strategic infrastructure will enable the plant to transport over 165,000 tonnes of waste annually by barge, a move expected to dramatically reduce the site's carbon footprint. By shifting a substantial volume of freight from roads to waterways, the new system will eliminate thousands of truck journeys each year, mitigating traffic congestion, noise pollution, and CO2 emissions in the densely populated area.

This commitment to sustainable logistics is complemented by VINCI Construction's comprehensive environmental standards. The entire facility will be fully enclosed and equipped with advanced air treatment systems to control odors effectively. The construction process itself will adhere to strict protocols for noise and dust reduction, soil remediation, and the protection of local biodiversity. These measures align with VINCI's wider corporate ambition to reduce its direct carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 and champion circular economy principles, such as prioritizing recycled materials over virgin resources. The project serves as a powerful example of how large-scale public works can be designed to minimize environmental impact and contribute positively to the urban landscape.

More Than a Plant: A Hub for Community and Circular Economy

Beyond its industrial function, the renovated Romainville-Bobigny site will feature a "Centre of Excellence for the Circular and Solidarity Economy" (PEECS). This dedicated 10,000 m² hub, managed by the local Est-Ensemble public authority, will operate separately from the waste treatment facilities to foster direct community engagement. It will include a household waste drop-off point, a reuse center for giving items a second life, and various community spaces designed to raise public awareness about waste reduction and recycling.

This social dimension is a core component of the project's vision. After a nine-year consultation process involving local inhabitants and a dedicated "citizen group," the plan emphasizes social inclusion and local economic benefits. The operating consortium, which includes SUEZ alongside VINCI, has committed to retaining all 138 existing permanent staff members and will partner with local agencies for new recruitment. Furthermore, SUEZ's subsidiary, Rebond, will implement a significant social inclusion program, providing 320,000 hours of work and tailored support for individuals facing barriers to employment. This integration of industrial efficiency with social responsibility aims to transform the plant into a valued community asset.

A Blueprint for Sustainable Urban Infrastructure

For VINCI, this contract is more than just another project; it is a testament to its strategic focus on leading the market for sustainable urban infrastructure. The company's integrated business model, which spans design, financing, construction, and operation, allows it to tackle complex, multi-faceted projects like the Romainville-Bobigny renovation. This win reinforces its competitive edge in a market where environmental performance and social value are increasingly decisive factors.

By delivering a project that combines advanced waste processing technology, innovative low-carbon logistics, and deep community integration, VINCI is setting a new standard for the industry. The successful execution of this contract will not only strengthen its position against major competitors but also provide a powerful case study for other cities grappling with similar challenges. As urban centers worldwide seek to build more resilient and circular economies, the Romainville-Bobigny plant is poised to become a blueprint for the future of public service infrastructure. The facility's transformation reflects a broader shift towards infrastructure that serves not just a functional purpose, but actively contributes to a healthier, more sustainable, and socially inclusive urban environment.