Waste recovery professions
and public spaces in the spotlight
In our society, urban infrastructure, street cleanliness and waste management are often taken for granted. Yet behind these essential elements of our daily living environment are dedicated men and women who work tirelessly to keep our streets clean and manage our waste efficiently to preserve our quality of life. The silent dedication of the staff of Perpignan Méditerranée Métropole's Direction de la Valorisation des Déchets et de l'Espace Public significantly improves our daily lives.
Voices from the field
When it comes to talking about their job, who better to convey their commitment and feelings than the field agents themselves?
These discreet workers play a vital role in waste and public space management, often without recognition commensurate with their contribution. That's why it's essential to shine a spotlight on these "invisible" professions, to celebrate all those hands that work tirelessly to optimize processes and improve our environment. Within the Direction de la Valorisation des Déchets et de l'Espace Public, professions intersect to form a team of 275 agents, dedicated to maintaining a high level of service.
Field agents are the pillars of this team, taking on a variety of tasks ranging from waste collection to container repair, as well as disseminating information and raising awareness among a variety of publics.
One of the most rewarding aspects of these jobs is their commitment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, including Sundays and public holidays! Rain, shine or shine, these operatives are on the ground, keeping our streets clean, functional and welcoming.
Pre-collection agents (8 agents)
Pre-collection operatives are responsible for installing, maintaining and providing essential containers such as wheeled bins, glass bins, etc. Their actions are crucial to setting up an efficient collection infrastructure. With almost 190,000 wheeled bins and more than 4,200 drop-off bins (of all types) in service, these agents ensure that residents have the means to sort their waste appropriately, thus promoting recycling and minimizing environmental impact. Their job doesn't stop at installation. They guarantee the replacement and repair of damaged equipment, ensuring that collection is continuous and convenient for all.
Testimonial: "
Our team includes two agents specialized in administrative management. Our main role is to manage incoming letters, e-mails and telephone calls. We listen to users' questions and concerns and strive to provide the best possible response, working closely with the other departments in the department. Our mission also includes the management of waste collection cards, covering aspects such as billing, address changes and card reactivation.
Working closely with town councils through the Gestions de Relations Usagers (GRU), our work involves direct interaction with collection agents to report problems encountered in the field. We also interact directly with users, answering their questions and providing solutions. This versatile job allows us to play an essential role in communication and coordination within the department, while ensuring that users' concerns are addressed effectively."
Collection operatives, or ripeurs (192 agents)
One of the most visible yet often underestimated tasks, waste collection is an essential link in the chain. Riflemen, often up before dawn, brave the elements every day to collect bins from door-to-door using household refuse skips. It's a methodical and difficult job that guarantees cleanliness, public health and environmental protection.
Sorting ambassadors and and special fee ambassadors (9 agents)
The sorting ambassadors carry out almost 150 events each year, targeting a variety of audiences to raise awareness of sorting and waste collection issues. Special fee ambassadors act as sales representatives, contracting collection services for professionals within Perpignan Méditerranée Métropole. They carry out over 3,000 canvassing actions with local businesses, illustrating their ongoing commitment to responsible waste management and a close relationship with local players.
Reception agents at (39 agents)
Waste drop-off center reception staff play a central role in welcoming, advising and directing users at the region's 10 waste drop-off centers and 2 ecosites. They guarantee the cleanliness and safety of the sites while welcoming some 600,000 users every year, playing a crucial role in raising awareness of responsible bulky waste management.
Administrative and accounting assistants (8 agents)
Administrative and accounting assistants play an essential role as a direct interface with users, receiving and handling almost 15,000 calls and around 3,000 non-telephonic exchanges a year. They are responsible for resolving users' questions and concerns, be they billing issues, bin replacements or other grievances. They are also responsible for managing and monitoring contracts, as well as the financial side of the business (an expenditure budget of 53 million euros for the entire department by 2022).
Testimonial: "
Our team includes two agents specialized in administrative management. Our main role is to manage incoming letters, e-mails and telephone calls. We listen to users' questions and concerns and strive to provide the best possible response, working closely with the other departments in the department. Our mission also includes the management of waste collection cards, covering aspects such as billing, address changes and card reactivation.
Working closely with town councils through the Gestions de Relations Usagers (GRU), our work involves direct interaction with collection agents to report problems encountered in the field. We also interact directly with users, answering their questions and providing solutions. This versatile job allows us to play an essential role in communication and coordination within the department, while ensuring that users' concerns are addressed effectively."
