Circular economy refers to a system that ensures the value of products, materials and resources is retained in the economic cycle for as long as possible, while reducing waste production. This means that products are reused, repaired, remanufactured or recycled.

WASTE HIERARCHY

Waste must be carried out:

• without endangering human health and without harming the environment.
• without posing risks to water, air, soil, plants or animals.
• without causing nuisance through noise or odours; and
• without adversely affecting the countryside or places of special interest.

The cornerstone of EU waste management is the five-step ‘Waste Hierarchy’. It was established by the EU Waste Framework Directive and sets out a hierarchy of preferences for waste management and disposal.

NATIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN (NWMP)

The National Waste Management Plan (NWMP) establishes the strategy, policies and objectives for waste management at National level. It provides a comprehensive Waste Management Framework that identifies the general guidelines for waste management and indicates appropriate measures. For certain waste streams which, due to their qualitative and quantitative characteristics and the specialized facilities required for their treatment, demand a more detailed and integrated approach, specific Waste Management Plans may be drawn up. These are incorporated into the NWMP and regulate, at national level, the comprehensive management of such waste streams. The NWMP is a strategic and policy planning instrument, prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Energy in accordance with Articles 22 and 23 of Law 4042/2012. 

REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN (PESDA/ΠΕΣΔΑ)

The Regional Waste Management Plan (PESDA / Περιφερειακό Σχέδιο Διαχείρισης Αποβλήτων – ΠΕΣΔΑ) is an integrated plan for the management of all waste generated in a Region. It defines the general guidelines for its management, in accordance with the guidelines of the National Waste Management Plan (Articles 22 and 23), and identifies  appropriate measures that promote, in a hierarchical and combined manner:

1. a) prevention,
2. b) reuse,
3. c) recycling,
4. d) other forms of recovery, (i.e. energy recovery) and
5. e) safe disposal at landfills.

The PESDA shall be prepared and implemented by the relevant Regional Waste Management Authorities (FODSA).

EUROPEAN LIST OF WASTE

The European List of Waste (ELW) is a harmonized, non-exhaustive list of waste regardless of whether it is destined for disposal or recovery operations. The ELW is binding on all EU Member States. 

Waste is classified under the ELW using six-digit codes, consisting of three two-digit numbers The classification of waste by ELW serves multiple purposes:

It provides direct information on the origin and properties of the waste.

It contributes to environmental protection by indicating the appropriate methods for waste collection and management.

It facilitates the harmonization of the waste management sector, which is a part of the single European Market.

It ensures compliance with competition rules.

THE E-WASTE REGISTRATION

In the E-Waste Registration, obligated entities (enterprises and organizations) are required to register by declaring their activities, facilities and permits they hold. The obligated parties submit an annual Waste Report for each of their facilities.   

Any interested party accesses the E-Waste Registration for  information, based on the LoW / EWC (List of Waste / European Waste Catalogue), on the competent Authorities responsible for the management of the relevant waste stream, verify the authenticity of certificates issued by the E-Waste Registration, and access statistics on Municipalities by LoW / EWC code.

The following entities are obliged to register with the E-Waste Registration:

• Enterprises and activities that generate waste and are subject to environmental licensing (i.e. holding an Environmental Terms Approval Decision or subject to Standard Environmental Commitments); Licensed waste storage facilities and waste reception facilities for the implementation of disposal and recovery operations.
• Licensed waste collectors-transporters of local authorities.
• Regional Solid Waste Management Authorities (FODSA).
• Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) for packaging waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment, and portable batteries and accumulators.

NATIONAL REGISTER OF PRODUCERS (NRP)

According to the Ministerial Decision 181504/2016 (Government Gazette 2454/B/09-08-2016), NRP (Εθνικό Μητρώο Παραγωγών ) is an operational tool for the systematic monitoring of producer’s compliance, with the applicable legislation on the alternative management of packaging and other products.

In particular, the NRP aims to:

1. a) collect and evaluate information on the quantities and types of packaging and other products, placed on the Greek market.
2. b) monitor the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes / facilitate the exchange of information with the national producer registers of other European Union Member States, in accordance with Article 11.
3. c) make information publicly available, in particular to users/consumers and to any interested private or public body.

Further information on the National Register of Producers (NRP) on the website of the Hellenic Recycling Agency (https://empa.eoan.gr/login.php )

Waste management includes the following stages:

Waste collection: This is the process of collecting waste from the places where it is generated (e.g. homes, businesses, industries).

Waste transport: This involves the transfer of collected waste from the point of collection to facilities for temporary storage, treatment, recycling or final disposal.

Treatment: Waste treatment consists of processes applied to waste to reduce volume, remove hazardous substances, recover useful materials/energy, or prepare waste for landfill disposal.

Recycling: Any recovery operation by which waste is re-converted into products, materials or substances that are intended to either serve their original purpose again or other purposes. It includes the reprocessing of organic materials but excludes energy recovery and reprocessing into materials to be used as fuel or in landfill fillers.

Biological treatment: Biological treatment of waste is carried out either through composting, where organic waste is broken down by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen to produce compost, or through anaerobic digestion in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas and a stable residue that can be used as a soil conditioner.

Energy recovery: In energy recovery, waste is used as a source of energy by converting it into heat, electricity or fuel. This process utilizes the energy contained within the waste, rather than allowing it to end up in landfills. The main methods of energy recovery are incineration and anaerobic digestion.

Disposal: Waste disposal is the final stage of waste management. Waste that cannot be recycled, reused or further treated, is disposed of in landfills.

Mechanical and Biological Treatment Plant (MBT)

This facility treats mixed Municipal Solid Waste. Through mechanical treatment, the waste is separated into recyclable materials, solid recovered fuel (SRF/RDF) and biodegradable fraction. The biodegradable fraction is subsequently treated through biological processes, such as composting or biodrying, producing a stabilized material suitable for further use or disposal, depending on its quality. Residual materials that cannot be recovered are directed to final disposal, such as landfilling, or to energy recovery. In some MBT plants, energy recovery may also take place, for example through the utilization of biogas.

Biowaste Treatment Facility (Composting and/or Anaerobic Digestion)

A Biowaste Treatment Facility processes exclusively source-separated biowaste collected through the brown bin. Through appropriate biological treatment processes, such as composting and/or anaerobic digestion, the biowaste is converted into compost and/or digestate suitable for use as a soil improvement material.

Recycling and Recovery Facilities are installations where mechanical sorting and processing of separately collected recyclable materials is carried out, with the aim of recovering high-quality secondary raw materials. These facilities typically receive source-separated dry recyclables, such as paper, plastics, metals and glass, and apply mechanical treatment processes including sorting, separation and baling. Residual fractions that cannot be recycled are directed to appropriate recovery or disposal routes, in accordance with applicable waste management regulations.

Landfill sites

These are landfill areas designed with technology that minimizes impact on human health and the environment due to their operation.

Residual Landfill

This is the facility where waste residues are disposed of, i.e. the waste that remains after the completion of mechanical sorting and processing operations.

Waste Transfer Station (WTS)

A Waste Transfer Station is a facility where solid waste is temporarily received, compacted and transferred into specialized containers, and subsequently transported to appropriate treatment or disposal facilities using specialized vehicles. The operation of WTS’s reduces long-distance transport routes, thereby lowering pollutant emissions and significantly reducing waste transportation costs.

Recycling Materials Sorting Centers (KDAY)

A Recycling Materials Sorting Center is a facility intended for the sorting and processing of recyclable materials collected through recycling schemes. The main objective of an KDAY is to improve the quality and efficiency of recycling by sorting, processing and preparing materials for recycling or reuse.

Green Point

A Green Point is an organized facility established by one or more municipalities or by a Solid Waste Management Authority (FODSA), with the approval of the competent authorities. The site is clearly demarcated and properly equipped, allowing citizens and municipal services to deposit separately collected recyclable waste or used items for further management.

Recycling Corner

A Recycling Corner is a public or private site of small scale, without fencing or permanent structures, where citizens can deposit separately collected recyclable municipal waste or used items in appropriate containers. These materials are subsequently collected by the municipality for reuse, preparation for reuse or recycling.

Reuse Centers

A Reuse Center is an organized facility dedicated to the preparation for reuse of materials that are defective but can be repaired or restored, as well as materials that are already in good condition and suitable for direct reuse. At these centers, materials are sorted, repaired, refurbished or creatively modified and then made available again to citizens through reuse schemes or second-hand retail outlets.

A) Solid Waste Management Authorities (FODSA/ΦΟΔΣΑ)

responsible for the temporary storage, transfer, recovery and disposal of solid waste. In Greece, FODSA are associations of municipalities, sometimes including Prefectures, established to jointly exercise waste management responsibilities at regional or intermunicipal level. Their responsibilities also include the implementation of Regional Waste Management Plans (PESDA) as well as the proper operation of solid waste management projects and facilities. The shareholders of the waste management operators are the local authorities of the respective regions. For more information, please visit: https://diktiofodsa.gr.

B) Producer Responsibility Organisations (PRO’s)

A Producer Responsibility Organisation (SED) pursuant to Law 4819/2021, is the organization, on an individual or collective basis, of alternative waste management in accordance with the provisions of the relevant Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The competent authority for their approval and operation is the Hellenic Recycling Agency (EOAN). For more information, please visit the website of the Hellenic Recycling Agency (EOAN).

Paper and Cardboard, Plastics, Glass, Aluminum and Metals

• . The blue recycling bin is used for the disposal of recyclable materials, primarily packaging waste.

Food waste residues, fruit and vegetable peelings, leaves, grass cuttings, coffee and tea

• The brown bin is intended for the collection of organic waste.

Non-recyclable materials and mixed household waste.

• The green bin is intended for the collection of non-recyclable waste, i.e. waste that cannot be recycled or composted. This waste is typically sent to landfill sites or incineration facilities.

Glass

• The blue bell type bin is a specialized bin for the collection of glass waste.

Paper and Cardboard

• The yellow bin is intended is for the recycling of paper and cardboard (newspapers, packaging paper, cartons, etc.).

Second-hand clothing

• Special bins are designated for the separate collection of used clothing, textiles and footwear. For more information, please visit the following websites: Ministry of the Environment and Energy and Hellenic Recycling Agency.

For information on collection points for other types of waste streams, you can contact the municipality where you live.

Detailed information on the correct disposal of waste-by-waste stream (Mixed Packaging Waste, Household Biowaste, Mixed Municipal Waste, Glass and Paper) is available on the website of the General Secretariat for Waste Management Coordination.

Environmental legislation includes a variety of symbols and signs relating to the reuse, recycling and disposal of waste. For more information, please visit the following websites: Ministry of the Environment and Energy and Hellenic Recycling Agency.

This report examines waste management in the European Union, analyzing the institutional and legal framework, strategies and the circular economy. It presents data concerning the production and management of municipal waste, recycling methods and the state of bio-waste. In addition, it explores the environmental and economic impacts, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions and funding. Emphasis is placed on the situation in Greece, while suggestions for improvement are provided. The report provides a general overview of key points and does not constitute primary research. However, it concludes by addressing progress, challenges and policy guidelines for sustainable waste management.