Nearly one-quarter of French motorists discard trash from their vehicles, as indicated by a report by Vinci Autoroutes
The 11th edition of the Vinci Autoroutes Foundation survey, conducted by Ipsos, was published on July 31, 2025, providing insights into the waste disposal habits of French people during their holiday journeys.
The survey reveals a decrease in waste disposal issues among the general population. The percentages of French people throwing waste from their cars and in public areas decreased by five and four points respectively compared to 2024. However, there are still instances of incivility, as noted by Vinci Autoroutes.
Specifically, nearly one in four French people (22%) admitted to throwing their waste out of their car window, according to the survey. This figure is slightly lower for the under-35 age group, with 29% of young people admitting to this behavior. On the other hand, 37% of French people admitted to throwing their waste in public areas. The survey did not provide specific data on the waste disposal behavior of the over-35 age group in public areas or from their cars.
Organic waste is thrown by 19% of French people, a decrease of 4 points compared to 2024. The disposal of paper or packaging decreased by 5 points, with 6% of French people admitting to this behavior. The disposal of plastic bottles or cans also decreased, with 3% fewer people throwing these items.
Cigarette butts are thrown by 18% of smokers, a decrease of 6 points compared to 2024.
Since 2024, there have been emerging trends and efforts to improve waste disposal habits among French holidaymakers. General trends in industrialized nations, including France, reflect growing awareness and initiatives around waste management and sustainability.
Key points and actions contributing to improved waste disposal habits among French holidaymakers include increased awareness and regulation, local initiatives during events, a focus on informal labor in waste management, and sustainability movements influencing behavior.
Enhanced waste collection infrastructure and services in holiday areas during peak seasons, public education campaigns focusing on sorting waste and reducing litter, stronger enforcement against illegal dumping and littering, collaboration with local communities and businesses to promote responsible tourism practices, and the development of eco-friendly waste disposal technologies and policies aligned with broader climate impact mitigation goals are some solutions and efforts advancing these trends.
In summary, while explicit recent statistics on French holidaymakers' waste disposal habits since 2024 are limited in available sources, ongoing national and local initiatives aligned with wider environmental trends contribute to gradual improvement, emphasizing education, regulation, and infrastructure enhancement.
- Despite the decrease in waste disposal issues among French people during their holiday journeys, environmental-science data shows that nearly one in four French people still throw their waste out of their car window, which indicates a need for continued education and awareness about sustainable-living practices.
- Moreover, home-and-garden waste such as organic waste, paper or packaging, and plastic bottles or cans have seen a decrease in disposal, but the survey did not provide specific data on the over-35 age group's behavior in public areas or from their cars.
- As per the survey, cigarette butts are thrown by 18% of smokers, representing a significant category of litter that could be reduced with the help of science and technology aimed at promoting eco-friendly waste disposal in the lifestyle sector.
