- Pilot implementation from 2025 for rational waste management and reduction of municipal fees
The Municipality of Hersonissos is moving forward with an important innovation aimed at sustainable waste management, integrating more than 33,000 tourist beds into the “Pay As You Throw” (PAYT) system. The implementation of the system will start on a pilot basis from this year’s tourist season, while the full development of the program is expected by 2028.
Presentation of the study: 153 tourist accommodations in the planning
During a special conference at the Port of Hersonissos, the design study of the system, which includes a total of 33,672 beds, was presented. The plan primarily concerns large tourist accommodations – 5 and 4-star hotels – but also a total of 153 tourist units of various categories. The aim is to ensure effective and fair waste management for a municipality that serves more than 3.5 million visitors annually.
Emphasis on waste sorting and self-management
The new system provides for waste management through three streams (recyclables, biowaste, mixed), with an emphasis on prevention, recycling, and source separation. The study finds that only 25% of waste in large tourist accommodations is mixed, with the remaining 75% consisting of organic waste (40.20%) and recyclables (34.80%).
Collaboration with hoteliers and organizations
The study was prepared in collaboration with the Municipality’s services, the newly established AMKE “Sustainable HoReCa Management”, and the company TreSus Environmental Services. Particular emphasis was given to the collaboration with the Heraklion Hotel Association and the Lassithi Hoteliers Association. The Municipality undertakes the management of small units, households and common areas, while large hotels undertake the self-management of their waste.
Incentives for participation: Reduction of municipal fees
One of the main incentives for participation in the new system is the reduction of municipal fees. Tourist businesses that will join the PDO will benefit financially, while the Municipality saves resources and strengthens its environmental policy. Waste management will be carried out with clear documentation, through reports and balance sheets, and will be certified by an external body.
Training and infrastructure for the success of the program
As part of the design, waste separation bins will be placed at strategic points in the accommodations, with easy access for employees and visitors. Staff training and information activities for tourists are planned in order to enhance participation and proper implementation of the system.
The first phase of the pilot program will last until October 31, when the results will be evaluated, with the aim of optimizing and expanding the plan.
Mayor of Hersonissos: “We are pioneering for a sustainable future”
In his statements, the Mayor of Hersonissos Zacharias Doxastakis emphasized:
“Our Municipality is taking on a pioneering role in the implementation of the PDO, in an environment of high demands such as the tourism sector. We are proud of our collaboration with hoteliers and the creation of a sustainable waste management model, which can become a national model.”
With an eye on the future of tourism, the Municipality of Hersonissos is laying the foundations for a cleaner environment, a fairer economic policy, and a substantial shift towards sustainability in the tourism sector.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
