Containers of waste from Diapontia Islands by roadside

A row of metal containers placed on the roadside verge in Temploni, outside the perimeter fence of the facility, is shown in a photograph accompanying a complaint about management of waste from the Diapontia Islands.

According to the complaint, the containers hold rubbish transported from Erikoussa, Othoni and Mathraki, and have remained at the site awaiting onward transportation. The complainant describes the situation as an additional source of pollution in the Temploni area.

The photograph confirms the presence of several closed metal containers along the road. However, it does not establish what they contain, how long they have been there, or whether any waste is leaking out.

The journey of waste from the Diapontia Islands

The transportation of waste from the three small islands to Corfu has been an organised municipal process since at least 2022. A tender notice issued by the Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands on 18 August that year provided for the temporary collection of rubbish in metal waste containers, its transportation by sea to Corfu, and its subsequent transportation by road to Temploni for unloading.

The process has not been without problems, however. In September 2024, during a Municipal Council discussion on the state of cleanliness, the deputy mayor for Othoni had argued that no rubbish was accumulating on the Diapontia Islands.

A year later, in September 2025, an article published by diapontia.gr reported that waste transportation to Corfu had been suspended since May, resulting in rubbish accumulating in the available waste containers. The gradual resumption of waste collection was announced at the time.

Temploni and the unresolved waste management issue

The presence of the containers is particularly significant given Temploni's long-standing environmental burden and residents' opposition to the operation of waste management facilities in the area.

In July 2025, residents' representatives met with Mayor Stefanos Poulimenos, putting forward specific demands concerning the area.

Meanwhile, Corfu's waste management continues to rely on transporting waste off the island.

The operation of the new Waste Transfer Station makes the question raised by the containers in the photograph even more pressing: if they contain rubbish, why are they being left outside the perimeter fence instead of being sent through the designated waste transfer process?

Explanations sought

The Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands and the competent waste management authority are being asked to clarify the origin and contents of the containers, how long they have been at the site, whether their temporary parking at this location is lawful, and when they are scheduled to be removed.

The photograph confirms their presence. The complaint identifies their origin. The relevant authorities must explain the procedure and why they remain by the roadside.

GIORGOS KATSAITIS