Crete Council Clarifies EU Incineration Ban, Reforms Waste Policy

Friday, 12 June 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

Crete's Regional Council has convened a dedicated session on waste management policy, following statements by Deputy Regional Governor for the Environment Nikos Xylouris. Speaking on local radio, Xylouris emphasized that the European Union does not permit waste incineration as a disposal method, a point he said has been misunderstood in the Greek context. The session aims to align Crete's waste strategy with EU environmental standards. For visitors, this signals that regional authorities are actively working to improve waste infrastructure across the island. Tourists are encouraged to use designated recycling bins where available, particularly in resort areas and beaches, as local enforcement of waste regulations is expected to increase in line with these policy discussions.