KKE opposes waste incineration plants: “A very dangerous development”
The Greek Communist Party (KKE) has voiced strong opposition to government plans for the creation of a network of waste-to-energy plants, warning of serious environmental and public health risks.
Public Consultation Sparks Concern
On August 1, the Ministry of Environment and Energy launched a public consultation on the Strategic Environmental Impact Study for the development of waste-to-energy facilities using refuse-derived fuels (RDF) from municipal solid waste.
The proposal includes establishing an incineration plant in Rhodope or Xanthi regional units, which would process waste from across Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Local communities have already expressed concern.
KKE Criticism
In its statement, KKE criticized both the timing of the consultation—during the summer—as well as the substance of the plan:
- It described waste incineration as “carcinogenic”, warning of long-term damage to public health and quality of life.
- It argued that such plants require a constant supply of waste, contradicting sustainable waste reduction strategies.
- It accused successive governments (ND and SYRIZA) of paving the way for private monopolies in waste management, referencing earlier National Waste Management Plans (ESDA) from 2015, 2020, and 2023.
KKE also highlighted what it sees as the commodification of natural resources under capitalism, calling waste management a “goldmine for the few,” citing examples such as costly recycling schemes that yield minimal benefits to workers.
Call for Mobilization
The party warned that the incineration policy represents an “environmental and health time bomb,” backed by the European Union, and urged the strengthening of workers’ and popular struggles to:
- Shut down the landfill in Fyli,
- Prevent new incineration plants across the country,
- Ensure waste management policies are based on public health, quality of life, and environmental protection.
