The recent public consultation of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (RIS) for the Strategic Environmental Impact Study (SBC) On the construction and operation of six waste combustion units in Greece, it brings back to the forefront that has caused reactions in the past. Numerous Environmental Organizations (PMCO) emphasize that Greece can reached its national target to reduce burial to 10% of the produced municipal solid waste (ASA) by 2035without resorting to burning – an option characterized as unnecessary, expensive and dangerous.

The History of Waste Burcharge in the Country

The choice of combustion as waste management has been involved in the Greek state since the mid -1990s. In 1995 and 2010, efforts were made to be implemented, but were rejected due to the high cost, the danger to the environment and the social opposition. Today, the issue comes back with another argument against: Burning is now unnecessaryas the PMKOs argue.

Despite the predictions of timeless national plans for solid waste management (ECHR 2020-2030, Law 4819/2021), the burning is a necessary stage for achieving the burial goal. However, according to experts, the European directive It provides time to reach up to 2035, with the possibility of extension by 2040. At the same time, existing or new waste treatment plants (ACE/MAA) are prioritized to produce fuel, rather than recyclable or compostable.

The anti -burning arguments

Environmental organizations, after data analysis, argue that:

  • THE European burial target (<10%) is possible without burning by 2035.
  • The reinforcement of preventionher reuse and her sorting It creates more jobs and saves energy than burning.
  • Even the most up -to -date units continue to emit dangerous atmospheric pollutants and produce solid waste that is not manageable in our country.
  • Total annual cost of six VAT units is calculated for 2035 between 223-363 million euros (or 189-308 €/ton), burdening citizens with an increase in municipal fees by 17-28%.

Realistic solutions for sustainable waste management

Instead of burning, the MSco submit a network of proposals that are consistent with European directives and best international practices. Points:

  • Reinforcement of preventionher preparation for reuse and her sortingby enhancing recycling, composting and other non -thermal management methods.
  • Optimizing the functioning of existing and new ACE/MAA with adopting modern technologies.
  • Accelerate infrastructure creation, such as composting composting units, Green spots and Creative Centers for Materials.
  • Review and redesign of the recycling system in Greece.
  • Immediate operation of collective systems for plastic bottles, aluminum boxes, agricultural plastics and food waste from the HORECA industry.
  • Complete the placement Bin coffee For biofuels in all local authorities.
  • Creating a digital platform for ‘Pay as much as I fly“To strengthen local government.
  • Utilization “Burial End” as a financial tool for prevention and information actions across the country.

As organizations point out, Greece can to manage its waste without burning, safely, less cost and more respect for the environment.

The Signs:

  • Hellenic
  • Prespa Protection Company
  • Snap
  • Ecological Recycling Company
  • Friends of Nature
  • Isea
  • Greenpeace Greece