Focus on the ARRU project in Vallabrix
- Par nbesse
- Le 23/01/2026
- Dans Living in Uzès and around
FR - The year 2026 marks the future creation of ARRU's (read our article) new premises, ‘dedicated to reuse, a first in the Gard’.
An ambitious project
The ARRU – Association pour une recyclerie-ressourcerie en Uzège (Association for a recycling and resource centre in Uzège), ‘a local player in reuse and the social and solidarity economy for over six years, is taking a decisive step forward’ with the arrival of its future premises in the commune of Vallabrix.
‘Supported by the elected representatives of Uzège, SICTOMU and its members and volunteers, ARRU is undertaking an ambitious construction project to move its activities to larger and more suitable premises’.
These will enable us to better accommodate the public and staff and to work in better conditions, as the current site in Montaren no longer offers the structure required to ‘meet the growing needs of the association’.
New structure & a new lease
‘Thanks to the signing in September 2025 of a 30-year long-term lease with the Vallabrix town hall (3,000 m² of land adjacent to the waste collection centre)’, the upcoming project includes ‘a building of approximately 800 m² to strengthen both collection and recovery and redistribution activities.’
‘This future facility is fully in line with the objectives of the AGEC French law, which recognises reuse as an essential lever for waste reduction, resource conservation and the development of the circular economy.’
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About the French AGEC law: 'The anti-waste law for a circular economy aims to accelerate the change in production and consumption patterns in order to limit waste and preserve natural resources, biodiversity and the climate. The AGEC It has five main areas of focus: moving away from disposable plastic, better informing consumers, combating waste and promoting solidarity-based reuse, taking action against planned obsolescence, and improving production methods.' (source: ecologie.gouv.fr)
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First building constructed specifically for reuse in the Gard
'As the first building constructed specifically for reuse in the Gard, and one of the first in Occitanie, ARRU marks a structural advance for the region.
Beyond the building itself, the project opens up prospects for local cooperation, particularly with the Uzège Cooperation Network and CITRE's Citizen Loop, thereby strengthening collective dynamics around ecological and social transitions.'
The project was presented to local elected officials, partners and residents at a public meeting on 21 January in Vallabrix, attended by architect Cédric Couissin, a specialist in heritage and degrowth. It was also an opportunity to hear everyone's opinions, answer questions and requests, and consider all the benefits that such an initiative can bring.
Thanks to Céline, from ARRU, for the documentation provided.
Want to find out more? Visit the ARRU website.