The waste crisis in Greece and the growing role of waste transportation

Greece, like many other European countries, is facing the challenge of modernising its waste management system. In recent years, a number of reforms have been introduced to increase recycling efficiency, reduce landfill and align with EU directives. A key element of this system is waste transport, which must meet certain legal and environmental requirements.

It is worth noting that Greece, like Italy, is a country with a unique archaeological heritage. The presence of structures from ancient times not only increases the attractiveness for tourism, but also influences the way the waste system is organised. The need to protect archaeological sites hinders the expansion of modern waste treatment facilities and limits the possibilities for storage in many locations.

Current state of waste management in Greece

According to Eurostat data, in 2021 approximately 74% of municipal waste in Greece was landfilled, which placed the country among the top countries in the European Union, where the majority of waste still ends up in landfill. The recycling rate was only around 21%, while the EU average at the time was above 47%.

Despite many reforms, Greece still struggles with insufficient recycling infrastructure and a lack of adequate incentives for households and businesses to collect separately. In 2021 law 4819/2021 was adopted, which implements EU directives on the closed loop economy and packaging waste management. This law obliges municipalities to achieve certain recycling levels and provides for the introduction of extended producer responsibility schemes.

However, the implementation of the new legislation in practice faces administrative and financial obstacles, especially at the local level. According to the National Environmental Agency of Greece (NECCA), a large proportion of municipalities are still failing to meet their recycling targets due to a lack of adequate technical facilities and limited resources.

Comparison with Italy: common problems and different approaches

However, it is not only Greece that faces problems. Italy is also struggling with waste management challenges. Although recycling rates are higher there (more than 51% in 2021), there are still regions, especially in the south, which do not meet EU standards. Italy is struggling with the problem of illegal landfills, insufficient control over waste transport and delays in infrastructure investments.

Both countries also share a common problem - historical buildings. In both Greece and Italy, the presence of ancient ruins, protected heritage sites and conservation zones restricts the location of new waste treatment facilities. This situation forces local authorities to find compromises between heritage protection and environmental needs.

Importance of waste transport in the management system

Waste transport plays a key role in the entire waste management chain in Greece. It ensures that they reach the appropriate treatment, recycling or disposal sites. In order to haul waste, it is necessary to obtain a waste transport permit in Greece from the Ministry of Environment and Energy. However, this is not issued for an extended period of time, as is the case with similar documents in other countries. The Greek permit is issued for a specific transport and is valid until it is completed.

Failure to do so may result in legal and financial sanctions.

Waste transport permit in Greece - Environmentalist24 supportm for carriers

Understanding the complexity of waste transport regulations in Greece, Ecologistics24 offers comprehensive support to transport companies. We assist in obtaining the necessary permits, registration with the relevant systems and provide compliance advice.

Our experience covers not only Greece, but also other EU countries,. This enables us to offer assistance in obtaining cross-border permits and advice on waste transport in the context of various local regulations. We are ready to be your partner in any waste-related administrative procedure.

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Greece faces the challenge of modernising its waste management system, with an emphasis on increasing recycling and reducing landfill. Waste transport is an integral part of this system, requiring compliance with regulations and effective management. Ecologistics24 is ready to support transport companies in meeting these requirements, contributing to a more sustainable waste management in Greece.