Collection Systems in Greece 🇬🇷
About
Greece uses a commingled blue bin system for most packaging recyclables, with separate glass collection where available. Bio-waste collection is being rolled out in phases across municipalities.
Collection Streams
Blue Recycling Bin (Commingled Packaging)
What goes in:
- Commingled packaging recyclables (paper/cardboard, plastic, metal, and often drink cartons)
- In some areas glass may also be accepted
- Empty and (where needed) rinse packaging; flatten boxes; place items loose or with an open bag
What does NOT go in:
- Non-packaging waste
- Food leftovers
- Nappies
- Contaminated items
Notes:
- Municipal setups vary. Where separate containers exist (for example glass bells or brown bins), follow local instructions
Glass Packaging
What goes in:
- Glass bottles and jars (packaging)
- Where dedicated glass 'bells' (often blue) exist, use them; otherwise glass packaging may go in the blue recycling stream depending on the local system
What does NOT go in:
- Ceramics, Pyrex/heat-resistant glass, window glass
Notes:
- Availability of separate glass containers varies by municipality
Bio-waste (Brown)
What goes in:
- Bio-waste (food scraps and other organics) is collected separately where municipalities run brown-bin systems (often with brown container or brown lid; sometimes brown bags for households)
What does NOT go in:
- Mixed waste
- Packaging
- Liquids
- Other contamination (varies)
Notes:
- Coverage is not universal; many municipalities run pilots or phased rollouts
Residual Waste (Green)
What goes in:
- Mixed residual waste goes in the general waste bin (commonly green bins in many municipalities)
What does NOT go in:
- Recyclables intended for the blue bin
- Organics intended for brown bin (where available)
Notes:
- Bin colours can vary by municipality; always follow local street bins
Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)
What goes in:
- Nationwide DRS for one-way drinks containers: announced/being implemented; expected to become operational around 2026 (check current start date and scope)
Notes:
- Use blue bin recycling until the DRS is live; then return in-scope containers to return points for refund
What Gets Collected
Accepted Items
- • Packaging materials (varies by stream)
- • Empty and clean containers
- • Material-specific items
Not Accepted
- • Non-packaging items
- • Contaminated materials
- • Hazardous containers with contents
Regional Variations
Collection systems in Greece may vary by municipality or region. Local sorting capabilities, collection infrastructure, and acceptance criteria can differ significantly even within the same country.
Important Notes
Greece primarily uses a commingled blue bin system rather than separate material bins
Glass collection availability varies significantly by municipality
Bio-waste collection is being phased in—check if your municipality has this service
Sources
Collection system information is based on national and regional guidelines. For the most current and location-specific information, consult local waste management authorities.