"We sell nearly two tonnes of objects every day", welcomes Jean-Luc Convers, director of "La Belle Affaire", the first recycling center in the La Rochelle agglomeration.
Inaugurated at the beginning of June in Aytré, the places are already experiencing a high attendance and a certain enthusiasm.
“There was a real expectation, confirms Jean-Luc Convers.
This allows a citizen act.
"
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Collecting and repairing objects in search of a second life, this is the mission of the establishment summarized by Alain Drapeau, the vice-president of the Agglomeration who now carries this project.
Each citizen can thus come and drop off their broken or unused items.
The recycling center then takes care of sorting, cleaning and restoring these unsuspected treasures until then condemned to destruction.
“All these objects were formerly incinerated or buried,” recalls Jean-Luc Convers, who at the beginning of May had 70 tonnes of donated objects.
Eight associations repair items
Clothing, household appliances, furniture, decorations, books or crockery: "La Belle Affaire" is interested in everything and sells at low prices and "for all budgets", assure the promoters of this project.
What cannot be valued is then redirected towards the best sector, they insist.
This recycling center currently employs 11 employees on an integration contract.
"The objective is to increase to 18 jobs", suggests its director who manages the collective of 8 associations involved in this adventure.
Clothing, household appliances, furniture, decorations, books or crockery: "La Belle Affaire" is interested in everything and sells at low prices "for all budgets".
PIERRE MEUNIE
"Each one brings its know-how, in particular on the repair of leathers, furniture, or like this local authority specializing in the repair of bicycles", specifies Jean-Luc Convers. This social as well as environmental project, continues Alain Drapeau, represents an investment of 630,000 euros. “The goal is to put 50 tonnes of objects back into circulation per year. It will certainly be exceeded this year, believes the elected. People are playing the game. ”