Rethymno | Upgrading cleanliness in the Old Town

Rethymno is taking an important step towards upgrading cleanliness and sustainability by implementing the innovative “Separation at Source” program on Monday, March 31. The program aims to collect waste from health-related stores in the Old Town, promoting environmental responsibility and improving the aesthetic image of the historic center.

The program was presented at a large meeting held in the Municipal Council room of Rethymno City Hall in the presence of Mayor Giorgis Marinakis, Deputy Mayor Stelios Spanoudakis, and representatives of the Catering and Recreation Association.

Deputy Mayor Spanoudakis stressed the importance of this new program, underlining:

“A new, modern and very important program for the collection of waste from health-related stores is being put into effect, which responds to two basic needs: on the one hand, the implementation of the current Law that obliges shopkeepers to proceed with sorting at source, that is, to collect their waste and mainly biological waste within their businesses, and on the other hand, the necessary improvement of the image of the Old City, which in many cases is miserable and certainly cannot continue.”

The Deputy Mayor clarified that the program concerns waste from four streams (organic, recyclable mixed, and glass, which will be collected by the competent Municipality service by appointment at specific points in the Old City and at specific times, in order to ensure a smooth flow.
“We have tested the process in rehearsals, and we also published relevant forms and maps to inform business people, while all the information is also available in electronic form. If shopkeepers do not comply with the program, then they will take on the responsibility of transporting the waste and placing it in bins outside the Old City.”

For the smooth implementation of the program, trial applications have already been carried out, and information forms and electronic instructions have been issued for professionals. At the same time, the Catering and Recreation Association, through its president Mr. Hasikos, expressed its support and willingness for additional information actions, such as practical seminars in stores.

During the meeting, business people in the area expressed questions and concerns about the details of the implementation of the measure. Mayor Giorgis Marinakis assured everyone that cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility and warned of strict sanctions in cases of non-compliance. “We cannot let garbage degrade our city. The implementation of stricter rules, as well as the new digital application 'Mystreet' for controlling the arbitrary use of public spaces, will ensure order and quality,” he stressed.

The Mayor also referred to the tightening of the rules of the Port Fund, which now even includes the revocation of operating permits for shops on the coastal road in case of serious violations. With the comprehensive implementation of the “Separation at Source” program, Rethymno seeks to become a model of cleanliness and proper waste management, upgrading its tourist image and the quality of life of its residents and visitors.

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