Objective: 6 industrial sites showing zero reject by 2012. Renault works on reducing residual waste at sites in a competitive manner wherever industry availability and technical and economical performance allow. The 4R approach (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover energy) was implemented in 2008. The four rules are as follows:

• Reduce (R1): reduce impact at the source. 
• Reuse (R2): recovering material for the same use.
• Recycle (R3): recovering material from components and consumables to be used as substitute raw materials for a different use.
• Recover energy (R4): using our waste as an alternative fuel, recovering energy produced from incineration.

A policy of partnerships with waste processing actors

• The European Commission has set an objective that each vehicle be 95% recoverable by mass in 2015. Renault intends to achieve this rate by forming partnerships with the major recycling actors, such as SITA, a subsidiary of Suez Environnement. 
• Renault also aims to increase the share of recycled plastic in its vehicles to 50 kg by 2015, equivalent to 20% to 25% of total  plastic content. To do so, it is working closely with the plastic and recycling industries in countries where the Group is present. 

A hands-on eco-design approach

Confirming its leadership in life cycle management, Renault factors in recycling needs from the design phase, with a view to enhanced end-of-life recycling.

• Upstream, during vehicle design, recyclable materials are selected as a priority, including plastics and metals. Vehicles are also designed so that fluids are easier to extract and components simpler to dismantle at end of life. 
• Downstream, innovative recycling methods are developed in partnership with waste processing actors in the countries where Renault is present.

Noteworthy: in the vehicle use phase (maintenance), Renault is gradually rolling out waste collection and processing services in its network.