Just Go Zero Tilos

Polygreen came into an agreement with the municipality of Tilos for the responsibility of managing solid waste on the island.

Traditional waste management methods in Tilos included landfill burying and open air burning. As a result large quantities of plastic material would end up in the sea with teriffic environmental consequences. Furthermore, degradation of landfilled materials resulted in the outpour hazardous chemicals in the water horizon. Moreover, Tilos is a habitat for protected bird species which were severely affected by consuming waste from materials that were disposed in nature.

The program required the removal of all public waste bins. The local population received instructions on how to separate waste into three streams, recyclables, food waste and non-recyclables at the source. We have implemented a system of door-to-door collection of the separated waste for all households and businesses which are then transported to a processing plant that was constructed as part of the program. The program ensures the complete diversion of waste from landfills and assures a waste free environment.

In the waste processing center (3K), all streams are collected and further separated into sub-categories, balled, weighted and prepared for shipping to recycling plants. There is a separate bio-waste collection network in place. We are using composters to process organic waste and turn it into soil conditioner. The resulting material is distributed among the local community to be used in the fields they are maintaining. Non-recyclable materials are not buried. Instead, they are sterilized, balled, and shipped to facilities to be converted to alternative fuel for the industry.

Linking the program with educational and cultural activities has been one of the primary objectives. In that context, a Center for Creative Utilization of waste was created, hosting artists and designers focusing on construction of usable objects or art from the recovered and repaired materials. Those activities have been open to the public as a way to demonstrate the principles of upcycling.