Greece to implement 'Pay-as-you-throw' municipal waste model

The Regulatory Authority for Waste, Treatment and Collection (RAAEV) is expected to complete a guide by the end of November to assist Greek municipalities in implementing the ‘Pay-as-you-throw’ model. This system will link business waste fees to the actual volume of waste produced and the frequency of collection.

The new billing structure will consist of a fixed component for basic services and a variable component based on usage. Methods of collection may include specific bin emptying schedules, bag-based systems, or the use of smart disposal points. An economic study conducted by EPTA for a large urban municipality estimated a cost of approximately 8 euros for the collection of a 240-liter mixed waste bin, illustrating how increased collection frequency will raise variable costs.

The Ministry of Environment is preparing institutional interventions with a primary focus on large-scale producers and the HORECA (hotel, restaurant, and cafe) sector. These businesses are considered the initial target for implementation due to their high waste output and their ability to organize separate waste collection streams. Municipalities will begin by auditing businesses to determine waste types, volumes, and space availability before deciding on specific implementation systems.