Greece
With a population of approximately 10.4 million people, its capital, Athens, is a vibrant hub blending ancient landmarks with modern urban life.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Greece:
Greece has implemented Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes in line with European Union directives to promote sustainable waste management. The EPR framework mandates that producers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, especially concerning take-back, recycling, and final disposal. Key EPR programs cover packaging waste, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, and end-of-life vehicles. These schemes aim to reduce environmental impact, enhance recycling rates, and encourage eco-friendly product designs.
Waste Management in Greece:
Greece has made significant strides in improving waste management practices, although challenges remain in achieving EU recycling targets. The country generates substantial municipal solid waste, with efforts focused on increasing recycling, reducing landfill dependency, and promoting circular economy principles. National and regional waste management plans guide these initiatives, supported by EU funding and legislative reforms.
Key strategies include the development of sorting and recycling facilities, public awareness campaigns, and the implementation of pay-as-you-throw schemes in some municipalities. Organizations like HERRCO (Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation) play a pivotal role in managing packaging waste, ensuring compliance with EPR obligations, and promoting recycling initiatives nationwide.
Legal basis
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In August 2001, Greece enacted Law 2939/01 on “Packaging and the Alternative Management of Packaging and Other Products.” This legislation established the obligation for alternative packaging management, aligning national regulations with European Union Directive 94/62/EC. In 2004, a new EU Directive was introduced, revising the targets set by Directive 94/62/EC. These updated targets were incorporated into Greek law through Joint Ministerial Decision 9268/469.
Under this legal framework, all businesses operating in Greece that produce or import packaged products for the domestic market are legally required to collect and recycle their packaging waste. Companies can fulfill this obligation either by establishing an individual system for managing their packaging waste or by participating in a collective system. In addition to producers and importers, Local Authorities are also legally mandated to oversee the alternative management of municipal packaging waste.
The national objectives outlined in Greek Law No. 2939 include the following targets:
- 60% (by weight) recovery of total packaging waste, with at least:
- 55% (by weight) dedicated to recycling
Furthermore, specific recycling targets for different materials are established as follows:
- 60% (by weight) for glass
- 60% (by weight) for paper and cardboard
- 50% (by weight) for metals
- 22.5% (by weight) for plastics
- 15% (by weight) for wood
Facts and figures
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Data 2024
| Population | 9.938.844 |
| No. of local authorities | 314 municipalities in the system 99% of inhabitants are covered by the system |
| No. of companies in system | 3.653 |
| Packaging introduced to the market |
1.100.000 tonnes |
| Recovered waste |
540,000 tons 31 Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) operating nationwide |
| Types of packaging | Household, Commercial and Industrial |
Packaging organisation/s in Greece:
