Tilos: Greece's first certified Zero Waste island

A small Aegean island that changed the national conversation

Tilos, a tiny island of around 800 permanent residents in the South Aegean, became Greece's first Zero Waste certified municipality through the Just Go Zero programme supported by ECOREC and funded by the South Aegean Region. By September 2024 the initiative had diverted approximately 14,600 kg of recyclables from landfill, significantly improving local environmental conditions and building a culture of source separation among residents, businesses, and visitors.

What makes Tilos a model

• Source separation extended to restaurants, hotels, and catering services
• Community participation built through education and close municipal coordination
• South Aegean Region funding provided the infrastructure budget, making the model replicable for neighbouring small islands
• Certification achieved despite the absence of a local organic waste processing facility: demonstrating that progress is possible even where infrastructure gaps remain

Why it matters beyond Tilos

Tilos is the proof point the Greek zero waste movement has needed. The island's certification received national media coverage and directly influenced the South Aegean Region's decision to fund continuation: increasing the likelihood that neighbouring islands will follow. In a country planning up to six waste-to-energy plants by 2030, Tilos shows an alternative path that works.

How to engage

• Visit Tilos and participate in its waste separation culture: tourism revenue supports the programme
• Follow ECOREC for the expansion of Just Go Zero to additional Greek islands
• Share Tilos's results with local councillors on other Aegean islands as advocacy for similar programmes

Source & repost

Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it.

• National coordinator: ECOREC – Ecological Recycling Society
• Just Go Zero programme: South Aegean Region / ECOREC / Zero Waste Europe
• Report chapter: ZWE State of Zero Waste Municipalities, 5th edition