Creative Commons

This thesis focuses on the optimization of urban waste management in the South Aegean Region, with a specific emphasis on the impact of the recent National Law 4819/21. The study adopts a comprehensive bibliographical research methodology, utilizing online sources as the primary data collection tool. The research aims to provide insights into the current state of waste management practices in the region, identify challenges and opportunities, and propose targeted strategies for improving sustainability. The literature review explores various waste management systems, including landfilling, incineration, recycling, composting, and anaerobic digestion. It examines the implications of National Law 4819/21 on waste management practices, highlighting the key provisions and their effects on waste management infrastructure and operations. Furthermore, the review delves into the specific waste management practices and initiatives implemented in the South Aegean Region, focusing on their effectiveness and potential for improvement. A detailed analysis of municipal solid waste (MSW) definition and composition provides a foundation for understanding the waste streams generated in the region. This knowledge is crucial for designing appropriate waste management strategies that address the unique challenges of the South Aegean Region. The subchapters on MSW treatment methods, including landfilling, incineration, recycling, composting, and anaerobic digestion, explore specific applications and case studies to provide insights into their feasibility, environmental impacts, and potential benefits. The research questions guide the study's investigation into the current state of waste management in the South Aegean Region, the influence of National Law 4819/21 on waste management practices, and the identification of targeted waste management strategies for improved sustainability. These research questions inform the analysis and synthesis of the data collected from online sources, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the waste management landscape in the region. The study also presents an overview of the South Aegean Region, including its demographic and economic profile, to contextualize the waste management challenges and opportunities. The subchapter on the impact of National Law 4819/21 examines how the legislation has influenced waste management practices and infrastructure in the region.