Meropi Idraiou: Waste disposal is a bomb ready to explode. The issue needs to come before the town council

This is yet another voice to be added to those of the Temploni Society, the Giannadis Rural Society and the Cultural Societies of Giannadis, Kyras Chrisiko, Gouvia, Potamos, Kanoni, Agio Deka and Stroggyli, who have submitted a written request to the chairperson of the town council for a special meeting to discuss the issue of waste disposal management.

The press release from ‘Corfiot Municipality’ states: “The image of the area is truly disheartening – the dumping site was one large mound and now another two extremely steep mounds have been added. No anaerobic burning can be done as they have now reached a height of 30-40 metres!

There have been no studies to determine how to deal with these, nor has there been any word of studies being done to reduce these masses of waste, using the scientifically correct method to treat them and thus restore and widen the land area. Moreover, the biological process equipment isn’t functioning and there has been no clear indication as to when it can be upgraded and start operating again.

The Processing Centre for recyclable materials is operating, but because recyclable materials aren’t correctly disposed of, using only the blue bins, the collection of these materials by the municipality vehicles is mixed with organic waste and the Centre cannot function optimally, with a very small proportion being recycled – 4% is what we were told. This results in a considerable loss of recycled materials and an increase in the waste that needs to be processed, without there being the appropriate resources to do so. The Centre was also lacking in health and safety equipment and resources, which the municipality are supposed to provide them with.

Regarding the baler:

1. There isn’t the proper ‘cutting’ machinery for the packages of waste, mainly plastic bags, which means that materials that should go for recycling, e.g. glass, are broken and go into the general waste, thus reducing the recyclable materials and increasing the bulk of general waste which cannot be processed further.
2. There is no roof, so whenever there is heavy rain, no processing can be done.
3. The waste is not concentrated in one place. The whole area around the machinery and baling equipment is full of waste and debris and consequently there can be no proper organization.
4. The tank for residual leachates and the drains were full – blocked with waste – so that not only could they not function properly, but were also bad for the environment and health.
5. The majority of the packages of waste were torn and opened, which begs questions about the quality of the baling equipment, leading to the unfortunate conclusion that they aren’t durable and weather conditions (rain/heat) can expand and compress them, possibly resulting in the bales bursting or catching fire. The bales of waste were also placed one on top of the other at a great height and there didn’t seem to be space for their disposal! And…
6. Possibly the most serious of all is that the workers in the baling section don’t have any measures for the protection and safety of their lives and health. The health and safety regulations are not being observed for these people.

For all of the above reasons and because waste management, as our party has continuously stressed at council meetings and on other public occasions, is our most serious problem - it has been threatening our health and well-being for years - we once again request a special meeting of the town council to deal with this issue. The Regional Governor, MPs and all other relevant persons should be present at the meeting so that a serious and focussed discussion can take place. The issue of waste disposal has reached a dead end - this ‘bomb’ is ready to explode.”