Total waste generation

Waste generation trends in Greece highlight both progress and challenges in waste prevention and in decoupling waste production from economic growth. Municipal solid waste (MSW) generation per capita increased from 436 kg in 2004 to 519 kg in 2022, a little above the European average of 515 kg, although total waste generation remains below the EU average. MSW generation was at its lowest in 2004, with a steady increase until 2010, followed by a decline during the global financial crisis from 2011 to 2013. According to Greece’s first national waste prevention plan, published in 2014, however, MSW generation increased slightly, influenced by household expenditure increase and by shifting of consumption patterns.

Total waste generation fell between 2010 and 2018. While the gross domestic product (GDP) dropped sharply between 2010 and 2013, waste generation decreased more gradually, with a significant drop from 2014 to 2016 during economic stabilisation. After 2016, both GDP and waste generation began to rise again, suggesting a potential re-coupling of economic growth with waste production. Trends vary by waste type: industrial and construction waste declined with the economic downturn, while municipal waste remained high due to steady consumption patterns. Hazardous and electronic waste present ongoing concerns due to their environmental impact and management challenges.

To confirm trends in decoupling waste from economic growth, a detailed time series is crucial. Current data suggest that Greece is not meeting EU waste prevention and circular economy targets. The lack of correlation between population dynamics and waste generation further emphasises the role of economic and consumption behaviours. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive policy measures, targeted interventions for different waste streams and enhanced monitoring to meet European waste reduction goals.