Corfu to Transport 22,500 Tons of Waste to Epirus for Management
Corfu, January 24, 2026 – The waste from Central Corfu will once again be managed by Epirus for another year. A new programmatic agreement is set to be approved at next week’s ASDC meeting, facilitating the transfer of 22,500 tons of waste from the Municipality of Central Corfu to the Epirus processing plant, with the remainder to be disposed of in the region’s landfills.
The agreement has been deemed essential for reasons of public interest and the protection of public health, as the Municipality of Central Corfu faces severe and ongoing waste management challenges. This agreement ensures the uninterrupted disposal of waste at the Waste Management Unit (MEA) and the Sanitary Landfills (XYT) of Epirus.
Agreement Details and Costs
According to the terms of the agreement, only waste with EWC code 20 03 01 (“mixed municipal waste”) will be accepted. The total quantity to be managed by the Epirus facilities for 2026 is up to 22,500 tons.
The agreement is based on a relevant decision by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, which provides for the management of municipal solid waste from the Municipality of Central Corfu and the Diapontia Islands outside the Ionian Islands Region. The agreement is valid until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of an extension if the foreseen quantities are not exhausted.
The management cost includes the processing of waste at the MEA, as well as the transfer and sanitary landfilling of the residue at the Epirus landfills. The charge for 2026 amounts to 105 euros per ton, with the total estimated cost reaching 2.3 million euros.
This initiative underscores the critical need for effective waste management solutions in Corfu, a popular tourist destination. The continuous reliance on external regions for waste disposal highlights the persistent infrastructure challenges faced by the island. While the agreement provides a temporary solution, long-term sustainable strategies are imperative for addressing Corfu’s waste crisis comprehensively.
The decision to outsource waste management to Epirus has been a recurring theme for Corfu, indicating the scale of the problem and the immediate need for intervention to prevent environmental and public health hazards. The financial implications of this arrangement, totaling 2.3 million euros, also point to the significant economic burden placed on the local municipality due to inadequate internal waste processing capabilities.
Local authorities are under increasing pressure to develop and implement a durable waste management plan that aligns with environmental regulations and ensures the well-being of residents and visitors. The current agreement, while crucial for immediate relief, serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in achieving self-sufficiency in waste handling within the Ionian Islands.
Source: https://www.epiruspost.gr/22-500-tonoi-skoypidia-apo-tin-kerkyra-tha-me/
