Crete Is the Third World When It Comes to Rubbish

Crete Is the Third World When It Comes to Rubbish: An Examination of Waste Management Issues.

illegal rubbish dump
An illegal rubbish dump in the mountains of Crete, which not only looks great in the landscape, but also reeks of decay!

Crete Is the Third World When It Comes to Rubbish: An Examination of Waste Management Issues

In the eyes of tourists, nothing is worse than the sight of rubbish. Everywhere in nature, chaotic on the streets, in overflowing rubbish bins, illegal landfill sites and in the beautiful seaside surroundings. These images are frightening and give a negative impression. Nevertheless, there are areas in Greece where comprehensive waste management and the zero-waste strategy are already being implemented, especially in hotels.

Law 4819/2021 introduced the ‘pay what you throw away’ system for municipal waste charges for hotels with more than 100 rooms from 1 January 2023. Instead of hotels being charged according to the area of their buildings, as is the case in many other industries, they will now be charged based on the actual ‘municipal solid waste’ produced.

Although municipalities in Greece were obliged to prepare for this immediately since the law was passed in 2021, most of them have not taken any action. In contrast, many hotels have already done so. A study conducted among hotels in Lassithi showed that some businesses have been working meticulously for years. These hotels use electronic scales in their kitchens for real-time measurement of food waste and carry out separation at source into more than 20 different waste streams.

Using private waste management companies that specialise in specific material streams, the waste was then transported to suitable facilities for processing, many of which are located in Crete. The municipality’s service provider only received a small fraction of less than 10 per cent of the total weight of the so-called residual materials – i.e. dirty or contaminated waste. In this way, the foundations were laid to change the negative image of Greece.

The study was handed over to the municipality of Aghios Nikolaos for information and support in order to explain the exact implementation of the ‘pay what you throw away’ system. In any case, it was a legal obligation for the municipality to comply, which benefited everyone. On the one hand, the municipality would save millions in fuel costs for waste collection, wages and tipping fees in landfills. On the other hand, the hotels would make significant savings on their fees, enabling them to pay for private waste disposal and transport services.

Unfortunately, however, much remained undone:

The local council has rejected such a system for the city, as it is assumed that citizens will then dispose of their rubbish everywhere. And as if that wasn’t enough, an additional increase in charges for all citizens was decided, while in fact thousands of tonnes of waste from hotels are no longer being collected by the municipal waste disposal service.

To summarise: if the laws that are passed in Greece were also implemented, the country would not have the image of a third world country that tourists and all citizens see on a daily basis. And of course I’m not just referring to cleanliness.

How should local authorities actually deal with waste management?

Waste at the beach

Municipalities play a central role in implementing effective waste management practices. They are legally obligated to enforce measures, which include adopting systems that contribute to waste reduction and enhance recycling efforts. This not only helps save costs associated with waste transportation and landfill fees but also promotes a cleaner environment. As waste generation continues to rise due to urbanisation and population growth, it is essential for local governments to comply with regulations and take decisive actions.

The circular economy model offers an alternative to traditional waste management approaches. This model focuses on reducing waste and maximising resource use through recycling and reusing materials. By closing the loop in production and consumption, municipalities can minimise the amount of waste generated, reduce carbon emissions, and address the pollution problem more effectively. Implementing strategies that emphasise sustainability and waste reduction helps combat climate change while fostering a healthier planet.

Food waste remains a pressing issue within the global waste problem. It contributes significantly to total waste generation, yet it also represents a lost opportunity for resource recovery. Through effective waste treatment technologies, organic waste can be composted or converted into energy, turning a liability into a valuable resource. Encouraging the public and businesses alike to adopt practices that minimise food waste is essential for creating a more sustainable future.

Single-use plastics have become a major contributor to plastic waste, leading to increased pollution across various ecosystems. As consumer habits evolve, there is a growing shift towards alternatives that reduce reliance on these materials. Legislation aimed at curbing the use of single-use plastics can be a crucial step towards addressing the global plastic pollution crisis. Educating the public about the impacts of plastic waste and promoting reusable options is vital for fostering a culture of sustainability.

In developed countries, waste management systems are often more advanced, featuring comprehensive recycling programmes and better infrastructure for waste collection. Nevertheless, even these nations face challenges, especially with hazardous waste disposal. Proper treatment and management of hazardous materials are essential to prevent environmental contamination and protect public health.

Interconnecting the elements of urbanisation, population growth, and waste production presents both challenges and opportunities. Rapid urban development often leads to increased waste generation, requiring innovative solutions and infrastructure improvements. Cities must invest in waste treatment facilities and recycling programmes to keep pace with growth and ensure a cleaner environment for future generations.

With the rise of awareness regarding environmental issues, many communities are becoming more engaged in sustainability efforts. Grassroots campaigns, local initiatives, and international agreements all play a role in promoting responsible waste management. Empowering individuals and businesses to take charge of their waste production fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility, leading to lasting positive change.

As waste management continues to evolve, the need for strategic planning and effective policies will drive progress. Addressing the complexity of waste generation and disposal requires collaboration across various sectors, including government, industry, and the public. By adopting a cohesive approach that prioritises sustainability and circularity, societies can advance toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.

The importance of proper waste disposal extends beyond environmental considerations; it reflects a society’s ability to manage its resources effectively. Engaging individuals in waste reduction efforts not only benefits localities but also contributes to global sustainability goals. Each action taken towards reducing waste and enhancing recycling is a step towards a healthier planet.

Local governments must prioritise transparency and accountability in waste management processes. By involving community members in decision-making, they can ensure that the solutions developed meet the needs of the public. Additionally, providing education on waste separation and recycling enhances public participation and reduces landfill diversion.

Innovative technologies in the waste management sector, such as waste-to-energy systems and advanced recycling technologies, show promise in transforming how society handles its waste. These advancements not only provide alternative energy sources but also reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, further contributing to sustainability efforts.


Frequently Asked Questions

wild rubbish dump
Example of a wild rubbish dump, as can be found everywhere on Crete

What are the main difficulties related to waste management in Crete?

Crete faces significant issues regarding waste management. The island’s tourism contributes to high waste generation, which can overwhelm local systems. Many villages struggle with inadequate disposal facilities, leading to illegal dumping and pollution. Additionally, there is a lack of public awareness about recycling practices, which hinders efforts to reduce waste.

How do waste disposal methods in Crete differ from those on the mainland?

Waste disposal in Crete is generally less efficient than on the Greek mainland. The island often relies on outdated collection methods and limited processing facilities. Unlike some mainland areas that have developed comprehensive recycling programmes, Crete still grapples with basic waste collection challenges. This discrepancy can lead to more visible litter and environmental concerns.

What effect does litter have on Crete’s natural environment?

Rubbish adversely affects Crete’s landscape and marine ecosystems. Plastic waste often ends up in the sea, threatening marine life and the local fishing industry. Litter can also disrupt the natural beauty of the island, which is vital for tourism. The presence of waste can lead to soil and water contamination, further harming local flora and fauna.

Are there any programmes in place to tackle the litter problem in Crete?

Efforts are underway to address the litter issue on the island. Local organisations and environmental groups work to promote clean-up initiatives and raise awareness about waste management. Some municipalities are establishing recycling centres to improve waste separation and processing. These initiatives aim to engage the community and foster a culture of sustainability.

How does litter in Crete impact residents’ quality of life?

The presence of rubbish can negatively impact the quality of life for those living in Crete. Increased litter can create unpleasant living conditions and pose health risks. Additionally, the beauty of the island decreases, which can affect residents’ satisfaction and well-being. Local communities often express frustration over the state of their environment and advocate for changes.

What actions are local authorities taking to enhance waste collection and recycling in Crete?

Local authorities in Crete are making efforts to improve waste collection and recycling practices. They are investing in better collection infrastructure and promoting recycling initiatives among residents. Collaboration with environmental organisations aims to improve public education on waste management. These efforts seek to create a more effective and sustainable waste system for the island.

Oval@3x 2

Don’t miss the daily tips and news about Crete!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Crete Tip
Scroll to Top