The Greek government, through the Periphery of the Southern Aegean, has issued a public-private partnership (PPP) tender for the design, financing, construction, maintenance, and operation of integrated waste recycling and recovery facilities serving the municipalities of Kos and Kalymnos.

The first phase of the tender process for the development of Waste Recycling and Recovery Units on the islands of Kos and Kalymnos has been completed, with participation from major Greek construction groups (GEK TERNA, AKTOR, AVAX, METKA, and HELECTOR). The initiative is valued at over €110 million (US$126.7 million), spanning 27 years—including 2 years for construction and 25 years of operation. It is designed to process approximately 46,238 tons of waste per year. Two distinct facilities will be constructed: one on Kos, which will include a landfill, and another on Kalymnos. The project is expected to greatly enhance waste management efficiency and help eliminate illegal dumping sites, particularly on Kalymnos.

The selected private partner will be responsible for preparing all required studies and securing necessary permits, executing all construction works, ensuring ongoing technical management and maintenance, and funding the initiative through its own resources and/or loans, with potential partial contributions from the contracting authority determined during the competitive bidding process.