The ECOTOWN project addresses the environmental challenges posed by high landfill dependency and low recycling rates in several areas of the Programme region. The project is in line with the EU Waste Framework Directive and the EU Circular Economy Action Plan, which set ambitious targets of 65% recycling and a maximum of 10% landfill disposal by 2035.

The project introduces and tests advanced waste collection and monitoring systems. The Lead Beneficiary will pilot smart sensors and tracking technologies, creating a digital management model that integrates PAYT (Pay-as-you-throw) and KAYT (Know-as-you-throw) approaches to encourage user responsibility and improve collection efficiency. At the same time, Italian and Greek municipalities will test the establishment of Ecocenters (equipped ecological stations), offering citizens dedicated spaces to deliver waste fractions separately, enhancing recycling and recovery.

Complementary activities include preliminary studies on current waste management practices, regional workshops with stakeholders, training sessions on pilot systems, and awareness campaigns in schools and communities. These actions strengthen local capacity, engage citizens in circular economy principles, and ensure wide dissemination of project results.

The expected outputs include:

• Pilot implementation of innovative waste systems (RCO 116) – PAYT/KAYT models and Ecocenters;
• A Joint Action Plan (Activity 5.1, RCO 83) providing a roadmap to align local practices with EU goals;
• Strategic Guidelines (Activity 5.2, RCO 83) enabling replication in other regions.

The expected results (RCR 104) are the consolidation of tested solutions through guidelines and the formalization of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Joint Action Plan. These results will improve waste collection efficiency, reduce landfill reliance, and foster sustainable behavior in pilot communities.