Background Forests are environmentally sensitive in that they are rich in flora and fauna. They are also perceived by the general public as a refuge for nature and wildlife, and so any human intervention in forests is assumed to be bad. However, forest products are important to the economy. The wood sector in France, for example, employs 500 000 people. Forest exploitation includes felling and extraction of timber. These activities generate many types of waste, including lubricants, batteries, hoses, chains, guide bars, paint cans and so on, mainly from machinery. However, disposal of this waste is poorly organised, as far as small quantities and professionals are concerned. Objectives The project would implement effective waste management in the logging sector, with a focus on small contractors. Specifically, the project would: Define types and quantities of waste generated by forest exploitation, and identify chains for their collection and use Make logging professionals aware of their obligations concerning waste regulations Develop a network of collection points suitable for the forestry sector in significant geographical zones. Results The GEDEON project succeeded in raising awareness among forest professionals of the impact of hazardous waste. A number of garages were converted to become forest waste collection centres, open to all foresters. A total of 16.5 tonnes of hazardous waste were collected on these centres from forestry operations over the course of the project, with used filters and hydraulic hoses being the the main types of wastes delivered. Although the various collection operations concerned only a limited number of enterprises, the result achieved is considered a good starting point. The collection centres will continue to operate after LIFE, although some may only remain open to the regular customers of the garage owner. The project conducted a European information campaign among foresters, including the publication of a good practices guide, which is available in French and English. Some 6 000 copies of the good practices guide were distributed during the project. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).