Greek recycling kiosk operator TEXAN halts services amid EU probe

The supplier TEXAN announced it will permanently end technical support for the country's network of recycling kiosks, known as “σπιτάκια ανακύκλωσης.” Effective 15 July, the company will stop collecting recyclable materials, disconnect electricity to the units and suspend the €1 payment to citizens for every 33 plastic bottles returned.

The decision follows a surprise raid by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office on the offices of TEHAN in Dafni, Pallini and Aspropyrgos, which targeted the company’s digital files and contracts amid investigations into possible unfair influence, overpriced contracts and other irregularities. Each kiosk reportedly cost about €300,000 to install.

The Greek Waste Management Authority (ESDA) issued an urgent letter on 17 July urging all member municipalities to temporarily assume operation of the kiosks and warned: “Do not remove or decommission the kiosks.” The move places the responsibility for waste collection back on local authorities while the legal inquiry continues.