Collection model:
Source-separated collection of food waste from households, restaurants, markets, cafés and schools using locked brown bins accessible only to registered participants.
Treatment model:
Community composting facility in Ormos Korthiou with 24 composters (1 m³ each); manual three-stage composting process over ~3 months with sieving and distribution of compost to citizens; capacity ~160 t bio-waste/year.
Key elements:
Pilot developed under the SIRCLES project by NTUA and Organisation Earth; integration of local businesses and households; locked bin system ensuring low contamination; provision of starter kits (portable brown bins, compostable bags, keys, leaflets); strong social inclusion component through training and employment.
Evidence of success:
(2022–2023 pilot) contamination below 3%; facility handled seasonal tourism peaks (350 kg/week in winter up to 750 kg/week in summer); 28 people trained and 20 employed during the project; 5 trainees permanently hired by the municipality; replication interest from other areas of Andros.
Awareness and engagement:
Community events and outreach to households and businesses explaining food-waste separation; distribution of starter kits and informational leaflets; direct engagement with local shops, schools and hospitality actors to promote correct sorting and participation.
Greece
Scale: Local (municipal)
Demographic type: Rural/touristic
Population: 1,706 inh.; 21 inh./km² (2024)
Organisation in charge: Municipality of Andros; National Technical University of Athens (NTUA); Organisation Earth
Source: SIRCLES (2023): Supporting Circular Economy Opportunities for Employment and Social Inclusion Good Practices Booklet.