€480M programme launched to strengthen recycling and circular economy infrastructure across Greece

By decision of the Alternate Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, in cooperation with the Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, a call for proposals entitled “Integrated Urban Waste Management for Achieving Long-Term Recycling and Circular Economy Targets in the Regions of the Country” has been issued.

The call is addressed to eligible Solid Waste Management Bodies (FODSA) with approved Holistic Separate Collection Plans endorsed by the Ministry of Environment and Energy. It provides funding for critical waste management infrastructure projects throughout the country.

At the core of the initiative is the development of modern Material Recovery and Recycling Facilities (MRRFs), which will primarily process separately collected municipal waste and, secondarily, residual mixed waste streams. The objective is to maximize the recovery of high-quality recyclable materials, produce high-quality compost, and significantly reduce the volume of waste destined for landfill disposal.

The programme also provides for the completion of phased projects from the previous 2014–2020 programming period through the upgrading of existing Waste Treatment Facilities (WTFs) into Material Recovery and Recycling Facilities, as well as the completion of Residual Waste Landfill Sites (RWLSs) where these are directly linked to the new treatment infrastructure.

In addition, the call supports the development of auxiliary facilities, including Waste Transfer Stations, and the procurement of separate collection equipment for key municipal waste streams, including biowaste, recyclable materials, green waste, and bulky waste.

A key eligibility requirement for project inclusion is confirmation by the Ministry of Environment and Energy that the proposed interventions contribute to achieving the objectives of the respective Regional Waste Management Plans (RWMPs). Furthermore, separate collection equipment must be included in the approved Holistic Separate Collection Plans of the relevant Solid Waste Management Bodies.

The total budget of the call amounts to €480 million and is co-financed by the Cohesion Fund and national resources. The submission of proposals will commence immediately following the publication of the call, while the deadline for applications has been set for 30 April 2027.

According to the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the implementation of the new infrastructure, combined with the expansion of separate collection networks, is expected to significantly improve recycling rates across all regions of the country. This will contribute to achieving the objectives of the National Waste Management Plan and further strengthen the transition towards a circular economy model.