LAs' environmental management assessment of MSW sector in Greece

The research was primarily a critical approach of MEM (Municipal Environmental Management) which can contribute to LAs (Local Authorities) waste administrations efforts to perform more systemically. The primary tool used to achieve this aim was the benchmarking between the EMSs (Environmental Management Systems) components and the waste management practices and procedures of LAs. Preliminary analysis of the practical problem manifested that LAs as administrators of MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) in Greece have some core issues for potential improvement. The main aim of this research was to identify the gap between the EMSs requirements and LAs’ practices and procedures and produce recommendations of action items required to address deficiencies. By taking into account the issues for potential improvement mentioned above an indication was given as to the areas requiring research. These include the management for the waste process of the administrations; environmental review of their waste activities and LAs environmental policy. The resultant information indicated the need of separate authority for the environmental issues evaluation of the environmental aspects of their services