Since 2023, the EPR (PMCB) has been turning the daily lives of small businesses upside down: more rigorous sorting, new eco-fees on materials, and ever-changing requirements. In 2026, the pressure remains high for small businesses, which must maintain their profitability while avoiding unpleasant surprises during inspections or at the waste collection center.

This practical guide summarizes the upcoming changes, how to take advantage of the free pickup service during the transition period, the impact on your quotes, and the precautions you should take if you also sell online or through a marketplace.

EPR (PMCB): A Survival Guide for Tradespeople and Suppliers in 2026.

Reading time: ~11 min

Understanding the PMCB EPR in 2026

Stemming from the AGEC law and in effect since 2023, the EPR construction products and materials (Extended Producer Responsibility for Building Construction Products and Materials) requires that those who place construction products on the market finance their end-of-life management through eco-contributions. In return, sorted waste must be accepted free of charge at a network of collection points to be established by 2026.

The reality is more complex: there are numerous eco-organizations (Valobat, Valdelia, Écomaison, Écominero), detailed sorting guidelines, and documentation to provide. Many small business owners have felt that they are subject to a system designed for recycling companies and large corporations.

In February 2026, under pressure from CAPEB, FFB, and other organizations, the Ministry of Ecological Transition announced an overhaul of theEPR Scheme to simplify the system, improve coverage across the country, control costs, and strengthen the governance of eco-organizations.

What really changes for you, artisans and retailers

• A regional network focused on commercial waste collection centers and participating retailers, with specific solutions for underserved areas.

• Transition period: Free pickup guaranteed until the network is fully operational.

• Distinction between “mature” materials (wood, metal, plaster, aggregates) and “non-mature” materials (mineral wool, plastics, door and window frames, membranes, complex insulation materials); tailored financial support.

• Eco-contribution rates published nine months in advance to help you incorporate them into your quotes.

• Strengthened governance: performance requirements and potential penalties in the event of misconduct by environmental organizations.

CAPEB and FFB welcome these developments while remaining vigilant regarding their actual implementation.

EPR Code in 2026: What Will Change on Your Construction Sites

Free sorting and pickup: how to really take advantage of it

Do not mix inorganic waste, plaster, or wood.

Follow the lists of permitted and prohibited materials for each dumpster.

Take the waste to EPR -designated collection points for EPR .

CAPEB provides very practical guidelines; just one hour of team training can help prevent rejected pickups and unexpected charges. While the transition period lasts, pickup is free provided that waste is sorted properly; thereafter, certain costs may reappear depending on the maturity of the recycling systems and local decisions.

Network coverage and dead zones: what you need to check

Find those that are nearby and suited to your needs.

Mature and immature: how to classify your materials

Mature materials (wood, metal, plaster, aggregates) already have established collection systems in place; the transition should proceed smoothly. Non-mature materials (mineral wool, plastics, door and window frames, membranes, insulation composites) receive enhanced support: dedicated drop-off points, special containers, or stricter preparation requirements. The guidelines issued by professional organizations remain the best reference.

How to Minimize the Impact of the PMCB EPR on Your Margins

Include eco-fees in your quotes

Update your material prices as soon as the price lists are published (9 months in advance). Explain to clients that the increases are due to a national policy, not a margin hike. Follow the price lists to adjust your material choices if necessary. CAPEB is advocating for a price monitoring system; this information can help you identify potential price gouging.

Organize waste management to save time

Set up separate containers right from the start of the project.

Opt for fewer but better-organized drop-offs.

EPR online sales: an added layer of complexity

As soon as you place products on the French market under your brand (whether through direct sales or a marketplace), you become a “producer” under the EPR framework EPR this applies to packaging, electrical equipment, textiles, furniture, batteries, and construction materials. You must register with several eco-organizations, declare your products placed on the market, and pay the associated eco-contributions, or face fines or delisting.

For small organizations without a compliance department, this administrative burden is significant. CompliancR, a certified agent, automates the analysis of your catalogs, the application of fee schedules, and the preparation of declarations, complete with a dashboard and alerts. Outsourcing will become even more relevant with the upcoming European packaging regulation.

Frequently Asked Questions from Tradespeople About the PMCB EPR

Does free waste collection mean I won't have to pay anything for my trash anymore?

No. Eco-fees are included in the price of construction products; therefore, you may see an increase in prices even though you no longer pay the waste disposal facility directly for these sorted materials.

What happens if I don't sort them correctly?

The collection point may refuse to accept items for free or charge a fee for specific sorting. There are checks in place; investing time in training the team helps avoid recurring extra costs.

Will the situation remain unchanged until 2030?

No. The 2026 reform calls for enhanced monitoring and the option to adjust the system if costs spiral out of control or if coverage remains inadequate. A moratorium is even being considered in the event of persistent instability.

Does this apply to me if I don't sell online?

This applies to you if you generate construction waste or purchase products subject to an eco-contribution. The requirement to register with multiple eco-organizations primarily affects those who place products on the market under their own name—a common situation in e-commerce.

Summary and next steps for staying calm in 2026

The PMCB EPR will not be discontinued; it will be strengthened in 2026 with a more comprehensive network, supervised free collection, more precise categorization of materials, and stricter governance. Take advantage of the transition period to adjust your operations, gradually incorporate eco-contributions into your quotes, and report any difficulties you encounter.

If you sell online, your obligations increase. You can delegate this administrative work to a trusted third party such as CompliancR and focus your energy on your projects and your customers.