10.  Illegal dumping and illegal landfills

Illegal dumping and pseudo-landfills are becoming increasingly common in France. The Energy Transition for Green Growth Act includes provisions to combat these illegal practices more effectively. It should be noted that under French law, the mayor has police powers in his or her municipality and is responsible for reporting violations of the Environmental Code (Articles L. 2212-1 and L. 2212-2, as well as L. 2224-13, L. 22-24-14 and L. 2224-16 of the General Code for Local Authorities).

At the same time, Articles R. 631-2, R. 634-2, R. 644-2, and R. 635-8 of the Criminal Code, as well as Article L. 541-46 of the Environmental Code, define misdemeanors and offenses relating to the abandonment of waste. The officials authorized to impose penalties are listed in Articles L. 541-44 and L. 541-44-1 of the Environmental Code.