Agios Nikolaos municipality seeks private waste‑collection contract amid staff shortages

The municipal government of Agios Nikolaos announced an emergency public contract to outsource waste collection, general cleaning and street sweeping for the next three months, budgeting €344,825 including VAT. The move follows a failed tender earlier this year and aims to bridge a staffing gap while a new open electronic tender proceeds. Deputy Mayor George Beloukas highlighted that the permanent crew, averaging over 53 years of age, is insufficient for the surge in waste during the peak tourist season, and that the fleet of garbage trucks is over 14 years old and often inoperable.

In parallel, the municipality continues its program of washing and disinfecting waste bins across all local communities, urging residents to tie bags securely, place them only inside bins, keep lids closed, and avoid discarding bulky items. Beloukas reiterated the collective responsibility of citizens to maintain cleanliness, public health and quality of life for both locals and visitors.