Greece’s plan to expand waste-to-energy incineration plants has sparked divisions between local officials and waste management authorities.

The Environment Ministry said it will extend consultation on an environmental study that outlines six privately developed plants nationwide.

Some municipal leaders back the initiative. “Obviously, waste-to-energy is better than landfill,” said Grigoris Konstantellos, a mayor and vice president of the Central Union of Municipalities (KEDE). 

The Network of Solid Waste Management Agencies  denounced the plan as an “example of the institutional downgrading of local government.” It warned municipalities would face costs of €100 to €138 per ton while private companies reaped energy profits.

KEDE President Lazaros Kyrizoglou said Greece must reduce landfilling, which still covers 80% of its waste.