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Waste Management in Greece

Greeks are going to have to dig a a little deeper into their pockets as a result of digging deeper in the ground. Greece, like all other EU states, is required to limit the amount and type of trash they bury in the backyards.

Kathimerini reports:

“There is a huge wave of fines on its way,” said Antonis Mavropoulos, the president of the Hellenic Solid Waste Management Association (HSWMA).

Brussels introduced legislation in 2003 which aims to prevent countries from burying rubbish until it is reduced by removing recyclable or biodegradable items.

EU members will also have to ensure that by 2010 35 percent of biodegradable rubbish, such as food scraps and grass clippings, is turned into compost.

“Unfortunately, it is 2007 and almost all the landfills in operation are illegal,” said Mavropoulos. “To make things worse, tens of landfills to be built over the next two years will also be illegal if measures are not taken.”

Prospects don't look so bad though, there are already some initiatves underway to combat wasteful waste according to the article. Residents in Hania are already composting and recycling their way to a cleaner future - "the operation of a recycling center has reduced the amount of rubbish that is discarded each day by 26 percent (60 tons). Most of the salvaged rubbish is turned into compost."

Little steps for big marches.


I would prefer, personally, if the city of Athens would get rid of those ridiculously small and ill-placed recycling containers with more residential, permanent, large units. Seriously, who is going to stop on the main thoroughway to deposit their old aluminum cans?!?!

we need photos to understand your concern. really i just want to see those ill-placed recycling containers.

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