Gümülcine launches school recycling marathon as municipality urges residents to keep city clean
The Municipality of Komotini (Gümülcine) will launch its eighth annual school recycling marathon on Monday, October 19, alongside a renewed appeal for residents to follow waste disposal rules and help keep neighbourhoods clean.
The “Let’s Recycle” (Pame Anakiklosi) initiative, organised in cooperation with Followgreen, will run throughout the 2026–2027 school year. It aims to raise environmental awareness among children and young people by encouraging recycling at schools and promoting responsible waste management in everyday life.
Primary and secondary school students will collect recyclable materials with support from their families and teachers. Dedicated recycling bins at participating schools will be used for paper, aluminium, plastic, plastic caps, batteries, clothing and used cooking oil.
SCHOOL MARATHON TO OPEN ON OCTOBER 19
The opening event is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. on Monday at Komotini’s 13th Primary School. The recycling competition will become active on the Followgreen platform from around midday on the same day.
The municipality aims to help students learn about recycling through practical participation, particularly the importance of separating waste correctly at its source.
MUNICIPALITY REMINDS RESIDENTS OF 12 WASTE DISPOSAL RULES
Alongside the school initiative, Komotini’s Cleaning and Recycling Directorate has called on residents to follow 12 basic rules for waste disposal and help maintain a cleaner urban environment.
The guidance urges households to place rubbish in securely tied, dry bags inside designated bins, avoid leaving waste beside containers and use recycling bins only for appropriate recyclable materials. Residents are also encouraged to flatten cardboard boxes and avoid moving bins or parking vehicles in front of them, which can obstruct collection services.
The municipality has also reminded residents to collect pet waste, bundle garden cuttings, and arrange collection with municipal services before leaving bulky items such as furniture, mattresses and household appliances on streets or pavements. Construction debris must be handled through appropriate private services rather than left in public spaces.
Other recommendations include avoiding unauthorised posters and stickers on public infrastructure and contacting the municipality about abandoned vehicles.
RECYCLING AS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
The municipality stressed that public participation is essential to improving waste management and reducing the volume of rubbish sent for disposal.
It also highlighted the importance of recycling across different waste streams, including packaging, glass, plastic, clothing and food waste, as part of efforts to reduce environmental impact.
Through the school marathon and its public awareness campaign, Komotini is seeking to make responsible recycling and waste disposal everyday habits for students, families and the wider community.
