As part of the VERDEinMED project, DIADYMA S.A. successfully organized on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at the Pontic Cultural Center in Kozani, a high-level conference entitled: “Innovative Waste Collection Systems.”
The event attracted representatives from more than 55 municipalities across the country, from Western and Central Macedonia to Epirus, Thessaly, Attica, Crete, and Eastern Macedonia–Thrace. This wide participation underscored the growing need for a unified waste management approach, common standards, and practical, scalable solutions in a rapidly evolving regulatory and environmental landscape.
The conference functioned as a dynamic platform for dialogue among institutional stakeholders shaping environmental policy in Greece. At a time when European targets for recycling and climate neutrality are becoming increasingly demanding, the event showcased Western Macedonia as a model region, demonstrating how innovation, digital tools, and strategic partnerships can transform environmental challenges into tangible opportunities.
Opening remarks were delivered by the President of DIADYMA S.A. and Mayor of Eordaia, Mr. Panagiotis Plakentas, the Regional Governor of Western Macedonia, Mr. Giorgos Amanatidis, and the Mayor of Kozani, Mr. Giannis Kokkaliaris.
Key presentations were delivered by the Secretary General for Waste Management Coordination, Mr. Manolis Grafakos, the President of the Central Macedonia Waste Management Authority (FODSA), Mr. Michalis Geranis, the Secretary of the Board of the Ionian Islands Waste Management Authority, Mr. Spyros Argyros, the President of the Thessaly Waste Management Authority, Mr. Athanasios Mammas, and the Director of Planning & Development of DIADYMA S.A., Mr. Konstantinos Tsioptsias.
The presentations focused on the overall upgrade of the waste management system and the transition from planning to effective operation, emphasizing the strengthening of separate collection and source separation, cost optimization through the “Pay As You Throw” scheme, the contribution of the Deposit Return System (DRS) to improving recycling performance, and the importance of cooperation between Waste Management Authorities and municipalities, as well as inter-municipal partnerships to achieve economies of scale.
At the same time, the need to accelerate and mature the necessary infrastructure was highlighted, along with addressing specific spatial and operational challenges (such as those faced by island regions), ensuring sustainable financing and cost balance for municipalities, and recognizing the complementary role of energy recovery within the broader effort to reduce landfilling. Particular emphasis was placed on the need for integrated and clearly structured source-separation systems, with defined roles, material flows, and quality control mechanisms.
Special interest was drawn to the session on textile waste, where it was stressed that real potential lies in prevention, reuse, and repair, long before recycling becomes necessary. Funding opportunities enabling local authorities to implement projects immediately were also presented, provided that clear planning and mature proposals are in place.
In the final discussion, the key message was that the success of separate collection depends on common operational standards, continuous data monitoring, and cooperation at all levels. The need to create market demand for reusable and recycled materials through green public procurement and partnerships with the private sector was also underlined.
The conference concluded with a guided tour of DIADYMA S.A.’s model facilities, where participants had the opportunity to see in practice the implementation of the issues discussed. The conclusion was unanimous: technology and resources exist, what is now required is synergy, sound documentation, and a change in culture. With such broad participation, DIADYMA S.A. once again confirmed its role at the heart of Greece’s transition to a circular economy.
