With an in-depth feature and accompanying video, Euronews turns the spotlight on Tilos, presenting the small Greek island as a model for the rest of Europe to follow. Under the headline «Greek Island Solves Waste Problem by Abolishing Landfill,» the European television network describes how Tilos transitioned from landfilling waste to comprehensive waste management, earning certification as the world’s first zero-waste island.
No trash cans on the streets
The island has phased out traditional trash bins and adopted door-to-door waste collection. Each household and business uses different bags for recyclables and organic waste, each with a unique QR code.The waste is transported to the Circular Innovation Center, built on the site of the old landfill, where it is sorted and recycled. According to data presented by Euronews, Tilos manages approximately 330 metric tons of waste per year:
- The 60% is made of recyclable materials.
- 30% is organic waste that is converted into compost.
- The remaining 10% is used as an alternative fuel in cement plants.
Recyclables are sorted into 15 categories, compressed, and shipped to the mainland as a usable raw material. The compost produced is distributed free of charge to farmers on the island.
The children led the way
The participation of residents played a key role in the success of the initiative. As the mayor of Tilos, Maria Kamma, explains, the awareness campaign began in schools. The children passed the message on to their families, and gradually, sorting waste at the source became a daily habit.The «Just Go Zero Tilos» program was implemented in collaboration with the circular economy company Polygreen and with the support of the South Aegean Region. The recycling and composting rate now approaches 90%, far exceeding both the Greek and European averages.
Here's an example for Kythira as well
This international spotlight is not merely a showcase for Tilos. It highlights what a small island can achieve when there is a concrete plan, cooperation from the local community, and political perseverance. For Kythira and the rest of the Greek islands, where waste management remains a difficult and costly undertaking, the example of Tilos raises a clear question: if an isolated island with limited resources was able to reduce landfill use to nearly zero, why not consider a similar, adapted model here as well? Tilos has proven that small islands are not doomed to bury their trash. With proper organization, they can become laboratories of innovation—and examples that inspire the whole of Europe.
Watch the Euronews feature: Video on YouTube
