Waste management in Greece is entering a new era, as the Ministry of the Environment is promoting a comprehensive bill that is expected to bring significant changes to the sector. The bill, which will be put to consultation in the coming weeks, reportedly includes a number of measures aimed at improving waste management across the country.
Key changes:
- FODSA Consolidation: Smaller FODSAs will be merged into larger units, improving efficiency and resource management.
- Enhance controls: The Ministry of the Interior will have increased control powers, ensuring the compliance of municipalities and FODSAs with their obligations.
- Privatization in small municipalities: Small municipalities will be able to outsource recycling to private individuals, with the state covering the cost.
- Changes to the package return system: The packaging return system will be simplified and expanded, with the aim of increasing recycling rates.
- Cracking down on tax evasion: Companies will be required to declare their waste and participate in recycling schemes.
- System for pesticide packaging: A special system will be created for the collection and management of plastic pesticide packaging.
The objectives of the new bill:
- Environmental protection: Reducing incineration and landfills, increasing recycling and reuse of materials.
- Strengthening the circular economy: Promoting the production of products with a smaller environmental footprint and extending the life of products.
- Job creation: Enhancing recycling and reuse will create new jobs.
Implications for citizens:
These changes are expected to have significant effects on the daily life of citizens. On the one hand, the consolidation of FODSAs will lead to more homogeneous waste management systems throughout the country, while the strengthening of controls will contribute to the fight against illegal waste disposal. On the other hand, outsourcing waste management to private individuals in small municipalities could lead to improved services, but also to an increase in burdens for citizens.
Open issues:
The new bill also raises a number of questions. How will council tax prices be affected? What will be the cost for the municipalities from the implementation of the new measures? How will transparency be ensured in the procedures for awarding contracts to private individuals?
The waste management bill is an important reform that will shape the future of waste management in Greece. It is important that all stakeholders participate in the consultation and express their views in order to develop a waste management system that is efficient, fair and environmentally friendly.
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