The implementation of a single nationwide guarantee system for plastic and aluminum bottles by the end of 2025 is included in the provisions of the draft law of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MEP) under the title: “Regulation for the modernization of management of waste, improving the energy saving framework, developing energy projects and addressing urban planning issues” which was put to a vote last night in Parliament.
It should be noted that the guarantee for recycled bottles has been provided for in law since 2020 without having been implemented.
Consumers will return the aforementioned recyclable materials and will receive back an amount to be determined later by ministerial decision. Obligated beverage packaging producers are required to organize a single Collective Alternative Management System for packaging waste at national level, to implement the guaranteed return system.
Approximately 15,000 return points are expected in the full development of the system. There, when you return the bottles, they will charge you the guarantee price.
With the same bill, special construction conditions are established for the construction of an indoor gym in the Municipality of Galatsi, Attica, on an area of 4,500 m2.
Also, with another article, the suspension of the issuance of construction licenses for new buildings or expansions of existing buildings and swimming pools or other water surfaces in the Caldeira area, on the island of Thira, is extended until the approval of the Special Urban Planning Plan and no later than 12/31/2025.
For the same area, a static suitability study of all existing buildings with tourism-leisure or health trade must be prepared by the owners within 2 years. As mentioned, compliance with the above obligation is necessary for its operation after the end of the above period.
Furthermore, the relevant Building Service is carrying out an audit of all building permits issued in the last five years until 31 December 2024.
New arrangements for recycling
Furthermore, it is stipulated that the Ministry of the Environment may, within the scope of its staff functions, following a programmatic agreement with the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece, in its capacity as representative of the country’s municipalities and the Hellenic Recycling Organization, undertake the tender for the supply of equipment for the selective collection of recyclable materials and bio-waste in all municipalities in the country and also services in mountainous and island municipalities with a permanent population of less than ten thousand (10,000) inhabitants.
Fo.DSA can also be included in the programming contract. which has proven technical competence and competent personnel.
Expenses for implementing the above actions will be financed from burial fee resources, subject to obligations arising from the producer’s extended responsibility.
As mentioned, the objective of the regulation is to promote the selective collection of recyclable materials and bio-waste, the levels of which are very low in our country, resulting, among other things, in the non-compliance with the objectives defined in European Union legislation and consequently the loss of critical resources.
With the new bill, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can intervene in the event of failure of the competent bodies to resolve problems that arise during waste management in emergency situations, through the implementation of measures and actions.
The bill also provides for a 5-year extension of the deadline for the relocation of services from the Municipality of Ellinikos – Argyroupoli, such as the Department of Environment and Civil Protection (namely, administrative services, cleaning services, pruning management, vegetation, deposit , machine shop and warehouses) in order to complete the relevant procedures smoothly.