The remote Greek island of Tilos has pioneered a new waste management model and recycling plant. The island now recycles most of its trash and prides itself for being a “zero-waste” island.
Tilos is a small island roughly 15 hours away from the Greek mainland by ferry. Authorities on the island recently announced that more than 80 percent of the trash on the island is recycled.
Maria Kamma-Alfieri, Mayor of Tilos said she was very proud of the town’s movement and anticipates more growth to come.
“The energy project was the culmination of many years of effort, it was very big, very powerful and it made our little island the first energy independent island in the Mediterranean and the first green island in the Mediterranean.” says Ms. Kamma-Alfieri.
Starting in December, Tilos piloted a home trash pick up scheme and residents received recycling kits, which included instructions to wash and separate their household waste.
The island’s new recycling plant separates the waste to produce cement mix, powdered glass, compressed cardboard and other reusable items.
Founder of the island’s recycling plant, Polygreen, Athanasios Polychronopoulos appealed to the government to ensure the future of recycling on the island of Tilos.
“Our model can guarantee and succeed these recycling rates as long as the civilians want it and the government provides us a multi-year contract in order for us to ensure that despite of all the possible changes in the elections of the municipalities and prefectures, we will stay here and we will guarantee recycling rates. – Athanasios Polychronopoulos, founder of PolyGreen
