The issue of the Waste Energy Utilization Units from urban solid waste during the meeting of the Regional Union of the Municipalities of Central Macedonia and KEDE. The debate was rehearsed on the occasion of the publication for consultation by the Ministry of Environment and Energy of the Strategic Environmental Impact Study (SPA) on the network of these units.

At the presentation of the issue, Konstantinos Zervas, chairman of the KEDE’s Water and Circular Economy Management Committee, expressed KEDE’s positive attitude towards the establishment and operation of such units. As he said they are ‘Internationally successful practice’ which may contribute substantially to the reduction of landfill, if they are designed and applied properly.

However, he underlined the serious concerns of many local communities about public health. So he pointed out the need for adequate consultation with citizens and conducting checks by credible and specialized inspection bodies. At the same time, it called for clarification on the sources of funding of the units, the possible imposition of energy utilization, the rules of operation and the impact on costs for municipalities and FODSA. Special reference also made to the sale prices of the energy produced.

Balance between energy utilization and recycling

Mr Zervas stressed that the operation of these units should in no way undermine the key priorities of municipalities for sorting in the source; recycling; recovery; reuse and composting. These procedures must remain a top priority for Local Government.

For his part, KEDE President Lazaros Kirizoglou said that the consultation, at the request of the Union, would be extended until October 17. He emphasized the support of self -government in recycling, recovery, reuse of materials, as well as in enhancing “bin coffee” and composting. However, he noted that energy exploitation of residual waste has a role, especially for waste that cannot be exploited otherwise.

Mr Kyrizoglou has proposed, among other things, funding to be mainly directed to recycling, while energy utilization can proceed with private funds. Special mention was made in the dimension of the units, stressing that they should not cover more than 20-25% of the waste produced, to boost recycling with a target of over 65%. At the same time, he estimated that the costs for the citizen should not exceed that of landfill. Finally, he called for the responsibility of management to pass on to the local government.

The above positions were approved by the majority by the KEDE Board of Directors.

Objections and concerns

The mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, pointed out that the position of KEDE must be clear, stressing that the promoted plan is ‘Wrong direction’ and that it may put significant obstacles in the operation of municipalities. He expressed his reflection on the creation of units that will manage mixed waste, rather than factories that focus on recycling.

The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Theodoros Livanios, Deputy Minister of Interior Vassilis Spanakis, Secretary General Savvas Chionidis and Deputy Minister of Interior on Macedonia-Thrace Costas Gioulekas.

In his address, Central Macedonia’s President Ignatius Kaitezidis described it as critical and interesting at this time for local government, emphasizing the importance of the new code that can change the data in the country.