Greece discusses circular economy and waste management in Patras

During an information seminar on the implementation of the circular economy in Greece held in Patras, officials discussed strategies to modernize waste management and reduce landfill use.

Manolis Grafakos, General Secretary for Waste Management at the Ministry of Environment and Energy, stated that a primary goal is to reduce the percentage of waste sent to landfills to below 10%. He highlighted the LIFE-IP CEI-Greece project, coordinated by the Ministry in collaboration with 20 strategic partners, which focuses on reuse, extending product lifespans, and utilizing waste as a resource.

Nikos Aspragathos, an assistant to the Mayor of Patras, criticized the current institutional framework, arguing that waste management costs are being shifted to citizens through municipal fees. He noted that while 45%-50% of waste is recyclable, companies often avoid their responsibilities, with annual contribution evasion in packaging exceeding 25 million euros. Aspragathos called for the abolition of fines and landfill taxes that burden taxpayers, suggesting instead that the state should cover the costs of source separation through specific taxation of producers.