National Conteneur — Recycling & Circular Economy

Containers for Recycling and Waste Recovery

Discover our shipping container solutions dedicated to recycling, sorting centers and the circular economy. ICPE compliance guaranteed with National Conteneur.

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    Sector expertise

    Logistics and storage for recycling and waste recovery

    The circular economy turns waste into raw materials. Sorting centers, recycling centers and recyclers need robust containers to safely collect, store and transport a wide range of materials. The shipping container has become the go-to infrastructure for compliant, efficient waste management.

    • 2 600Recycling and recovery companies in France
    • < 48 hLead time to provide a collection container
    • > 95 %Recovery rate for ferrous metals in approved channels
    • €4.2 BnAnnual revenue of the industrial waste sector in France
    Industry applications

    Container uses in recycling and the circular economy

    The recycling sector imposes strict operational constraints: waste stream separation, sealed storage areas and ongoing ICPE compliance. Shipping containers meet these requirements on sites that are often space-constrained, whether sorting centers, professional recycling centers or mobile collection platforms.

    Recycling

    Storage of electrical and electronic waste (WEEE)

    Electrical waste contains toxic components (lead, mercury, cadmium). Storing it requires sealed containers to prevent any polluting leak into soil and groundwater.

    Our sealed containers with liquid-resistant flooring are designed for secure WEEE containment. They meet ICPE requirements and facilitate the regulatory sorting of this hazardous waste.

    Industry use

    Bulk material collection and sorting

    Sorting centers handle large volumes of metal, plastic and paper. Top loading is often the only efficient option for bulky materials or crane-loaded materials.

    Our Open Top containers allow crane loading from above. Their open structure makes sorting and unloading bulk materials easier, with maximum capacity.

    Recycling

    Secure storage of hazardous waste

    Hazardous waste (solvents, oils, acids) carries risks of leaks, fire and pollution. Its storage is strictly governed by ICPE and ADR regulations.

    Our containers with a built-in spill containment tray feature a sealed steel base that contains liquids in the event of a leak. Forced ventilation extracts toxic fumes to keep operators safe.

    Storage

    Lithium battery storage

    Lithium batteries carry a high risk of thermal runaway and fire. Storing them requires special equipment to quickly detect and contain any outbreak of fire.

    Our battery-fitted containers include heat detectors, fire-rated doors and dedicated ventilation. They effectively isolate fire risk to protect your site.

    Industry constraints

    How containers meet the requirements of the recycling sector

    • Strength and watertightness

      Our Corten steel containers are designed to contain polluting waste. Their total seal prevents any leak into the soil. They withstand aggressive chemicals and the intensive-use conditions of sorting centers and recycling centers.

    • Modularity and scalability

      Waste flows vary by season and activity. Our modular containers let you add or remove storage units as needed. This flexibility optimizes your organization without a heavy investment.

    • ICPE compliance

      Our containers meet the requirements of Installations Classified for Environmental Protection (ICPE). They ensure compliant storage of your waste on sealed surfaces, in line with the legal obligations governing your activity.

    Container types

    The container types most used in recycling

    The formats selected — spill containment tray, Open Top and standard 20 ft — cover the three main logics of recycling: containment of hazardous products, bulk loading by crane or overhead hoist, and compact storage on limited land. Their Corten steel strength withstands the repeated impacts of handling scrap metal and bulky materials.

    • Photo illustrating Container with built-in spill containment tray

      Container with built-in spill containment tray

      This container features a steel base forming a sealed tray that contains hazardous liquids in the event of a leak. A removable grating raises stored items above any retained liquid. It is essential for the compliant storage of liquid waste under ICPE standards.

    • Photo illustrating Open top container

      Open top container

      This container is open on top, allowing loading by crane or excavator. It is ideal for collecting bulk waste, bulky recyclable materials and WEEE. A protective tarp can be fitted to cover the load during transport.

    • Photo illustrating 20 ft dry container

      20 ft dry container

      The standard Dry container offers versatile storage for non-hazardous solid waste. Its secure lockable closure prevents unauthorized access. Its compact size makes it easy to fit into sorting centers or recycling centers with limited space.

    Standards

    Recycling standards and regulations to comply with

    • ICPE regulations

      Sorting centers subject to Classified Installations regulations must contain their polluting waste on sealed surfaces. Our containers with a built-in spill containment tray meet this legal obligation and protect soil and groundwater.

    • ADR regulations

      The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road governs the safe transport of hazardous materials. Our ADR-approved containers guarantee the compliance of your hazardous waste collection and transport operations.

    • The ISO 14001 standard

      This international environmental management standard requires sound waste management and the prevention of accidental leaks. Our sealed containers help you meet your ISO 14001 commitments to controlling environmental impact.

    Sector quote

    Need a container for your recycling or waste recovery activity?

    FAQ

    FAQ: your questions about containers for recycling and waste recovery

    Find answers to the most common questions about our containers and services.

    Do I need authorization to install a container at my sorting center?

    For an installation of less than 3 months, no authorization is required in most cases. Beyond that period, a declaration or building permit from your local town hall may be required depending on the surface area and location. We support you through these administrative steps.

    Can lithium batteries be stored in a standard container?

    No, storing lithium batteries in a standard container is not recommended. These batteries present specific thermal runaway risks. A fitted-out container is required, with temperature sensors, forced ventilation and approved fire-rated doors. Contact us for a suitable solution.

    How do you clean a container that has stored messy waste?

    Our containers are designed for easy cleaning. The smooth flooring and steel walls clean effectively with a high-pressure hose. The removable gratings on spill containment trays can be fully removed for thorough cleaning. For very soiling waste, we offer special interior linings that make stripping easier.

    What signage should be displayed on a hazardous waste container?

    Containers storing hazardous waste must display the approved ADR pictograms corresponding to the types of risk (toxic, flammable, corrosive, etc.). The waste's UN number and the name of the site manager must also be visible. We can apply this regulatory signage upon order.

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