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Assessing the readiness of Greek municipalities to manage bioplastics in municipal waste management streams
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This research investigated the potential for microplastics to act as nuclei for mineral precipitation in marine environments. Laboratory experiments showed that carbonate minerals precipitated preferentially on microplastic surfaces, suggesting that mineral coating may accelerate particle sinking and alter the ultimate fate of ocean microplastics.
Abstract Each year citizens of the European Union (EU) generate 2.5 billion tonnes of waste; equating to five tonnes of waste per person per year. To ensure optimal material recovery, and to support the move towards a circular economy, proper separate collection of waste is necessary. The current trend of increasing collection rates, encouraged by EU legislation, is promising; however, progress is uneven both across and within EU member states. While European and national targets provide the overarching driver for better waste collection, regional and local implementation is crucial for achieving continued progress. Therefore, it is vital to consider the disparity among the different EU countries when introducing new materials, such as bioplastics (bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics), into current national waste management streams, and any new introductions should be carefully evaluated before further actions are recommended by local authorities. As a member state that is heavily reliant on tourism, proper solid waste management is of vital importance in Greece, especially during the peak summer season. Considering the rapid expansion of bioplastics in the European market, it is important to assess the readiness of municipalities in Greece to manage this new category of solid waste. Data collected from 51 Greek municipalities via questionnaire (distributed to public authorities or waste management companies) showed that the current situation and capacities for adapting waste management streams to process bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics is still limited in Greece. Therefore, the readiness of Greece to process an increasing proportion of bioplastics within the waste stream (using the current waste management systems) is very low, as a result, such innovative materials are currently seen more as a problem than a ready-to-implement solution.
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A survey of 203 people in Greece, combined with a review of European and Greek plastic laws, found that most people had heard of "bioplastics" but held misconceptions about what they are made of and how to dispose of them. People generally viewed bioplastics positively, though cost, limited recycling infrastructure, and unclear rules were seen as barriers, with age and education affecting attitudes.
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Researchers surveyed European consumers about their attitudes toward conventional plastics and bioplastics, finding that most participants were aware of plastic's environmental and health risks and practiced waste segregation, yet limited availability of bioplastics and insufficient public information remained key barriers to wider adoption. Packaging was identified as the most frequent plastic use category among respondents.
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This review of biodegradable plastic waste management across 13 EU countries and 13 national legislations finds that fragmented infrastructure, consumer confusion about disposal, lack of full-scale mechanical recycling studies, and inconsistent regulations collectively hinder effective end-of-life handling of bioplastics.
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This study surveyed city managers across ten European capitals and found that while legislative bans on single-use plastics are effective, public-space waste from tourists remains poorly monitored and inconsistent collection schemes hinder proper sorting, highlighting the need for stronger public-private partnerships and dedicated infrastructure in high-tourism areas.
Investigating the knowledge and attitude of the Greek public towards marine plastic pollution and the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive
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A questionnaire survey of the Greek public found moderate awareness of marine plastic pollution and general support for the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, though knowledge gaps remained about specific impacts and the scope of regulatory requirements.
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