An Eco-accredited body
Like APER, already mentioned in these columns for the recycling of pleasure boats, APER PYRO (Association pour une Plaisance Eco-Responsable pour les produits Pyrotechniques) is an association financed by pyrotechnics producers in the nautical sector. Companies finance it through an annual contribution based on an eco-tax. Created on 6 December 2015 with the Fédération des Industries Nautiques, APER PYRO received eco-organisation approval from the Ministry of Ecology on 22 December 2015.
Secure collection and processing device
In the absence of appropriate end-of-life management of distress rockets, recreational boaters placed pyrotechnic devices in waste dumps at best, or at worst with household waste. Many accidents and fire departures have been observed in waste treatment plants, due to inappropriate deposits.
Since 2013, the four main issuers on the market, Plastimo, VDM, FOB and Servaux had already joined forces to offer shipschandlers a collection and processing service. As Pamela Boulanger, QSE manager at Plastimo explains,"We were anticipating the legal obligation of the 1 er january 2015 that requires them to manage the end-of-life of their products."
The newly created APER PYRO becomes the single point of contact for all resellers. It will therefore set up a complete system. Collection will take place at participating hardware stores, marked with a tag on the window. After a transitional period in which the material already stored will be accepted, hand rockets, smoke and parachute rockets will be taken back on the basis of a bought back one, just like household appliances.
An approved carrier for hazardous materials will ensure the transfer from the various collection points to the appropriate processing centres.
Progressive launch
The first deployment of the service has taken place in the Pyrénées Orientales department since 13 June 2016. Feedback and statistics from the operation will make it possible to work on the implementation on the national territory.
