# Greece waste management infrastructure development > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/greece-waste-management-infrastructure-development > Updated: 2026-10-25T09:20:41.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 7. Greece is advancing its waste management infrastructure through large-scale projects and legislative planning. In Santorini, the South Aegean Region has entered the second phase of a tender for an Integrated Waste Management System (ISWM). This €26.5 million project involves a competitive dialogue with four consortia—Mytilineos (Metlen)–Mesogeios, Intrakat (Aktor Group)–Watt, More–Avax–Thalis, and Terna Energy—to manage the entire lifecycle of waste over an estimated 27-year period. On a national level, the government is transitioning from planning to active implementation. While 14 waste processing units are currently operational, 28 more are under construction and 10 are in the tendering process. To resolve infrastructure gaps, the Cabinet has decided to expropriate land for new facilities on Santorini and Ikaria. Additionally, the government is developing a strategic environmental impact study to facilitate waste-to-energy recovery. Recent efforts have focused on remediating inactive, uncontrolled disposal sites. The Ministry of Environment and Energy has allocated €6.4 million to restore landfills on Mykonos, Tinos, Sifnos, Patmos, Paxoi, and Kalymnos. Environment Minister Stavros Papastavrou stated this aims to “close past environmental discrepancies” and eliminate the annual €480,000 fine imposed by the European Court. In Central Macedonia, the Regional Council has approved a revised Regional Waste Management Plan (PESDA). The plan shifts focus from processing to recovery and recycling, aiming to increase the regional recycling rate from 15% to 60% by 2030 and 65% by 2035, while limiting landfilling to below 10%. This includes establishing three recovery units and six processing units across Thessaloniki, Serres, Chalkidiki, Imathia, Pella, Veria, and Pieria. Furthering its regulatory evolution, the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Treatment and Collection (RAAEV) is expected to finalize a guide by late November to assist municipalities in implementing a ‘Pay-as-you-throw’ model. ## Claims - The Regional Council of Central Macedonia approved the revised Regional Waste Management Plan (PESDA). (corroborated by 3 sources) - The current recycling rate in Central Macedonia is 15%. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The plan aims to reach a 60% recycling rate by 2030. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The plan aims to reach a 65% recycling rate by 2035. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The plan aims to limit landfilling to below 10%. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Three recovery and recycling units will be established in Thessaloniki (east and west) and Serres. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Six waste processing units are planned for Chalkidiki, Imathia, Pella, Veria, and Pieria. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-25: Greece to implement 'Pay-as-you-throw' municipal waste model Greece is preparing a new 'Pay-as-you-throw' waste management model for municipalities, linking business fees to waste volume and collection frequency, targeting the HORECA sector first. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-to-implement-pay-as-you-throw-municipal-waste-model ### 2026-10-23: Greece discusses circular economy and waste management in Patras At a seminar in Patras, Greek officials discussed reducing landfill waste to under 10% and addressed calls to shift waste management costs from citizens to producers. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-discusses-circular-economy-and-waste-management-in-patras ### 2026-10-22: Central Macedonia approves revised waste management plan Central Macedonia's Regional Council approved a new waste management plan aiming to raise recycling rates from 15% to 65% by 2035. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/central-macedonia-approves-revised-waste-management-plan ### 2026-10-12: Greece allocates €6.4M to restore landfills on six islands Greece is allocating €6.4 million to restore six inactive landfills on Mykonos, Tinos, Sifnos, Patmos, Paxoi, and Kalymnos to protect ecosystems and end annual EU fines. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-allocates-64m-to-restore-landfills-on-six-islands ### 2026-10-06: Greece advances new waste management and recycling strategies Greece is advancing new waste management strategies, including financial incentives and the ‘Pay-as-you-throw’ model, while struggling to address critical infrastructure pressures in the Attica region. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-plans-waste-management-overhaul-with-focus-on-attica ### 2026-09-30: Greece advances waste management with 28 new processing units Greece is moving from waste management planning to implementation, with 28 new processing units under construction and new facilities planned for Santorini and Ikaria to bolster the circular economy. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-advances-waste-management-with-28-new-processing-units ### 2026-09-02: Santorini waste management project enters second phase The South Aegean Region has launched the second phase of a competitive dialogue for Santorini's €26.5 million integrated waste management system, involving four major industrial consortia. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santorini-waste-management-project-enters-second-phase --- Cite as: Greece waste management infrastructure development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/greece-waste-management-infrastructure-development