Corfu declared in state of emergency over waste crisis

Southern Corfu has been declared in a state of emergency due to a massive accumulation of waste on the streets. The crisis arose following the expiration of the municipality's contract with its final waste recipient, the sanitary landfill unit (LFG).

Deputy Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Kostas Katsafados, signed a three-month emergency decree to address the buildup and restore normal collection services. During this period, strict rules regarding waste disposal will be enforced, and depositing trash outside of designated bins is prohibited to prevent further worsening of the situation.

To mitigate the crisis, fast-track procedures are being implemented to transport waste from Corfu to Kozani. Residents and tourists have reported severe issues, including unpleasant odors, insects, and rodents, leading to the use of lime near schools to manage hygiene concerns. The disruption follows a decision by the Court of Audit that led to the termination of previous waste transport contracts.