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Description
ELDIA S.A. is a waste management company that provides solutions to solid waste management and collection issues. Today, ELDIA S.A. holds a leading position in the waste management and recycling industry in Northern Greece. The overall objective of their project funded by the EEA Grants is to enhance waste management, control pollution, and improve environmental quality in Greece.
The project consisted in constructing and operating a state-of-the-art waste sorting plant with capacity to process large volumes of mixed recyclables which would enable the promoter to achieve a higher recovery rate of recyclables as well as receive more diversified materials (thus reducing the percentage of rejected materials). The project aims to have both economic and social benefits by helping local authorities establish waste programs, reducing waste quantities, and generating employment opportunities. The facility is designed to receive 20 000 tonnes of recyclable materials per year, reducing CO2 emissions significantly, and decreasing landfill waste by 20%.
ELDIA collaborated with Norsk Gjenvinning Norge As, a Norwegian company specializing in waste management, for advice during construction of the facility, and for imparting its knowledge on efficient waste management.
Summary of project results
Municipal waste in Greece is a growing issue, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, consumerism, and technological advancements. This surge in waste generation poses significant environmental and health risks, and results in the loss of valuable resources. Despite Greece`s advancements in waste treatment, collection, and recycling, it still lags behind the EU’s landfill target. While recycling rates have seen improvement, the volume of waste recycled remains low in comparison to other EU nations. In this context the private sector, including ELDIA, plays an important role in addressing this issue.
During the initial phase, the licensing process was initiated, including the application for a building permit, and a supplier for optical waste separators was selected through a tender process, with TOMRA being awarded the contract. Additionally, a bilateral partnership was established.
Before construction work was completed, improvements were made to the land, the new internal logistics system for the sorting plant was developed, the metal structure and electrical components were installed, and the new sewage regulations were issued.
In the final phase, once the facility was completed, the partner provided feedback on how to operate the facility effectively. The new plant processes over 1500 tonnes of materials in one shift (the monthly production before the new plant was 500 tonnes of various material in 2 shifts).
Summary of bilateral results
The 2 partners are very happy with the results of the partnership. The project promoter has underlined the significant contribution of NGN with sharing experience for the optimum operation of the new facility and advising on safety issues. The partnership is estimated to continue after the project implementation.