To need further improvement Waste management in Greece was focused on the speakers of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, held at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition. Minister Stavros Papastavrou noted that although there have been substantial steps in progress, there are still significant problems and challenges in the industry. Specifically, he noted that in 2019 there were only three points and today their numbers are 13, while the units under construction have fired. Put the principle as a main framework of action ‘Pollutin pays’underlining the importance of a transparent cooperation with citizens and local communities, while pointing out: “We are moving forward, trying to harmonize with the good practices of Europe and to shape the appropriate legislative framework”.

The Secretary General of Waste Management Coordination, Manolis Grafakoshe highlighted this year as a key to the sector, stressing that the goal is to achieve a meaningful reform in recycling. As he said: “We are in the last turn with optimism, with a stock of work and credibility towards the European Commission, the Market and the Government”. He announced that tangible results are expected soon, as cooperation with the European Commission is moving forward and separate recyclable collection systems are being launched in hotels and catering stores. At the same time, several municipalities will focus on organic recycling, green and bulky waste management.

Energy utilization and provocatively high goals

Mr. Grafakos emphasized that the different waste currents are properly planned, and by the end of the year all Regional Waste Management Plans (PESA), except Attica, would be completed. He also referred to the certification process of the 14th Solid Waste Management Body (FODSA). For the energy utilizationhe pointed out that it is a strategic choice to reduce burial below 10% by 2035, as set out in the European Directive.

The President of KEDE, Lazaros Kirizoglouhe made it clear that Local Government supports recycling, recovery of materials and the operation of the coffee bin, while supporting composting. However, he was in favor of the direction of public resources to strengthen recycling, while in energy utilization he emphasized that it could be done with private funds. He also stressed that the design of the six energy utilization units should be adapted to a smaller scale, ensuring lower or fixed costs for citizens compared to waste burial.

Deficits, fines and risk of new penalties

Panagiotis Pantazatos from the European Commission’s Regional and Urban Policy Directorate made a critical review, pointing out that “Greece is still far behind in management issues and is far from where Europe is today.”. Emphasized the great deficit on the goals of recycling: “We are in great deviation. We have not fulfilled the goals of the year, and the boundaries for 2030 and 2035 are even more difficult to achieve. The country continues to pay fines and must make every effort in the coming years so as not to create new violations. “.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged the progress observed in terms of new Waste Management UnitsNSRF funding and the formulation of sorting in the source. He emphasized the need to separate waste, funding recycling and resolution in the Peloponnese – in particular with the holistic management project.

In the conversation around the reforms and challenges In addition to the above, Lena Belsi (president of the Association of Industrial and Recycling and Energy Utilization), Charalambos Charalambidis (Vice President of PASEPPE) and Michalis Economomakis (President of the ESAA), raising further issues of the Greek Economics and Economics.