Thessaloniki illegal recycling plant shut down after environmental violations

Greek police halted an unlicensed waste‑recycling and scrap‑metal business in the Kalochori district of Thessaloniki after discovering extensive environmental contamination. Inspectors found piles of excavated earth, construction debris, wood, plastics, fabrics, bulk waste and electronic equipment, along with metal structures and heavy machinery. The site posed risks of soil and groundwater pollution, degrading living conditions for nearby residents.

Authorities arrested the 46‑year‑old manager for operating without permits and presenting forged authorization documents. Separate investigations opened against a 32‑year‑old who owned the company and a 46‑year‑old woman who supplied the falsified paperwork. All three face charges for breaches of environmental protection laws, waste‑management regulations and forgery.