​Every summer, Zakynthos welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors — and with them comes a mountain of waste. From plastic bottles on the beaches to packaging from hotels and restaurants, managing rubbish on an island this busy has always been a challenge. However, is Zakynthos finally improving its recycling system? Here’s what’s happening behind the bins.

What Exists: Sorting, Collection & New FacilitiesThe Municipality of Zakynthos has in recent years taken important steps toward a more modern waste system. A major EU-funded project titled “Actions for Sorting at the Source and Recycling of Urban Solid Waste” introduced the island’s first Central Green Point and several smaller “Green Islets” in tourist zones. These allow residents and businesses to drop off recyclables and biowaste separately from general trash.

Recycling collection operates through the familiar blue bins for plastics, metals, and drink cartons, and separate bins for glass and paper. The materials are sent to a Recyclable Materials Sorting Center (RSC), where they are mechanically and manually separated.
Until recently, most recyclable material collected on Zakynthos had to be shipped off-island — mainly to Agrinio — for sorting. However, from late 2024 a mobile sorting plant began operating locally, meaning the island can now process a significant portion of its recyclables without sending them to the mainland.


How the System Works Financially.
According to the Ionian Islands Regional Waste Management Authority, the average management cost for sorted waste on Zakynthos is around €62 per tonne. When legacy obligations and landfill costs are added, the full financial burden rises to roughly €80 per tonne. The municipality has also signed a two-year, €9.6-million contract with a private company (2025–2027) to handle waste collection and transport due to ongoing staff shortages.


What’s Not Working Yet.
Despite these advances, Zakynthos still faces serious waste-management challenges. Reports from both local media and environmental organisations point to frequent disruptions in collection services, especially during peak tourist months, largely due to insufficient personnel and vehicles.
Although recyclables are being collected, a significant proportion reportedly ends up in landfill because of contamination or sorting inefficiencies. Across many Greek islands, as much as half of the materials collected in blue bins are ultimately discarded rather than recycled.
The island’s landfill history has also been problematic. The old landfill site near the Zakynthos Marine National Park — once within a protected area — was deemed illegal by the EU Court of Justice, and Greece has faced repeated fines for delays in closing and rehabilitating the site. A newer sanitary landfill now operates under stricter environmental controls, but capacity and oversight remain concerns.

How Zakynthos Ranks Nationally.
In a 2025 survey ranking the environmental performance of Greek municipalities, Zakynthos placed 182nd out of 184 for recycling indicators — one of the lowest scores in the country. While this reflects the island’s long struggle with waste management, local officials have pledged that the new Green Point network and on-island sorting plant will help turn things around.


A Look Toward the Future.
The municipality’s new Waste Management Plan (2024) outlines a gradual transition to “circular economy” principles — focusing on sorting at the source, composting biowaste, and reducing landfill dependence. The plan’s success will depend on community participation and continued investment in infrastructure.
As part of this shift, Zakynthos is expected to expand public education on recycling, introduce better separation for hotel and hospitality waste, and coordinate more closely with regional authorities for transport and data tracking. There is also discussion of future collaboration with the Blue Municipalities network to integrate marine litter management.
In Conclusion.
Zakynthos does have a recycling system — complete with blue bins, separate paper and glass collection, and even a local sorting plant — but the island is still far from achieving circular waste management. Recyclables are often mixed with general waste, sorting capacity is limited, and seasonal pressures make consistent operations difficult. Nonetheless, with new infrastructure now in place and greater EU oversight, there is real potential for improvement.
For an island whose beauty and economy depend on its natural environment, expanding recycling and reducing waste isn’t just an obligation — it’s essential for Zakynthos’s sustainable future.

Zakynthos, Greece — October 1, 2025
A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 was recorded off the southwestern coast of Zakynthos early this morning, prompting brief concern but no reports of damage or injuries. According to the National Observatory of Athens, the tremor occurred at 5:49 a.m. local time, with an epicenter located 12 kilometers west-southwest of Keri, at a depth of 18 kilometers.
The quake was felt mildly across the island, particularly in coastal areas, where some residents reported a brief jolt during the early hours. However, there was no cause for alarm, and life on the island quickly returned to normal.

Strong Infrastructure, Steady CommunityZakynthos lies in a region of high seismic activity and has experienced stronger tremors in the past. Thanks to modern building regulations and decades of engineering experience, local infrastructure is built to withstand seismic events of this magnitude and beyond.
“Our buildings are constructed with earthquakes in mind,” said a spokesperson for the local municipal authority. “This morning’s event was well within the safety range of our structural standards.”
The Zakynthian community, well accustomed to the island’s geological character, responded with its trademark composure. Residents and local officials remain unconcerned, while keeping a close eye on seismic updates as a routine safety measure.
Ongoing Monitoring, No Cause for AlarmSeismologists are continuing to monitor the region for possible aftershocks, though no significant secondary activity has been reported at this time. Experts note that earthquakes of this size are common in the Ionian Sea and typically pose minimal risk to populated areas, especially when they occur offshore and at moderate depth.
There have been no disruptions to transportation, tourism, or daily life on the island.


A Reminder, Not a ThreatWhile the tremor served as a reminder of Zakynthos' dynamic geology, it also highlighted the island’s preparedness and resilience. Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to remain informed but reassured.
The situation remains stable, and no emergency measures have been enacted.

Visitors and locals in Zakynthos, Greece, should brace for unsettled autumn weather as a spell of rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms moves across the Ionian Islands in early October. According to the latest forecasts, October 2nd and 3rd will bring a significant shift from the typically mild and pleasant conditions the island is known for during the fall season.

Thursday, October 2: Heavy Showers and ThunderstormsThe day is expected to start off relatively mild, but skies will be mostly cloudy with heavy showers occurring in the morning, followed by intermittent rainfall into the afternoon. Some brief breaks of sun may appear between showers, but the overall tone of the day will be grey and damp.
Temperatures will remain moderate, with a high around 21°C (70°F) and a low of 16°C (60°F). However, a Yellow Warning has been issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) for thunderstorms affecting the Ionian Islands — including Zakynthos — between 10:00 PM and 2:59 AM EEST. Residents and travelers are advised to take precautions, particularly in open or elevated areas, due to the risk of lightning and localized flooding.

Friday, October 3: Windy and Cooler with Showers Throughout the DayThe unstable weather will persist into Friday, with conditions turning markedly cooler and windier. The forecast predicts mostly cloudy skies and periods of rain, with brief showers possible in the morning and more persistent rainfall expected in the afternoon.
Temperatures will drop slightly, with a high of just 17°C (62°F) and a low of 16°C (61°F). The strong winds will add to the chill, making the day feel even cooler than it is. Those venturing outdoors are encouraged to wear layers and carry waterproof clothing, as sudden rain bursts and gusty winds may disrupt outdoor plans.


Travel & Safety Advice

• Avoid open terrain and elevated areas during the thunderstorm warning on the night of October 2.
  
• Exercise caution when driving or walking on slippery surfaces.
  
• Strong winds on October 3 could affect boating, beach activities, and outdoor excursions.
  
• Keep an eye on local weather updates and alerts from our Civil Protection Unit. 
  
  

While Zakynthos is no stranger to changing weather in October, the forecast for October 2–3, 2025, is notably stormy and unsettled. If you're on the island during this time, it’s wise to adjust your plans accordingly — and perhaps swap beach days for indoor sightseeing, cultural tours, or a cozy meal with that perfect view. 

The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) is currently making waves in the international military community with its participation in 4 major exercises aimed at boosting operational readiness and interoperability. The sound of their aircraft was even heard loud and clear in Zakynthos, too.
In the Multinational Exercise "VOLFA 2025" at Mont de Marsan Air Base in France, the 337th Squadron has deployed 4 F-16s to showcase their skills and enhance combat capability from September 22 to October 10.

Next on the agenda is the NATO Tiger Meet 2025, also known as NTM 25, at Beja Air Base in Portugal. The 335th Squadron is representing HAF with 4 F-16s in this prestigious event running from September 19 to October 3.
Meanwhile, the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) at Los Llanos Air Base in Albacete, Spain sees the 341st Squadron in action with 4 F-16s from September 11 to October 3. This exercise is crucial for honing leadership skills and improving tactical capabilities.​

Last but not least, the European Spartan Exercise 2025 (ESE 25) is happening at Bezmer Air Base in Bulgaria. The Hellenic Air Force has deployed C-27J aircraft for this event which runs from September 22 to October 3.
The simultaneous participation in these 4 international exercises demonstrates the Hellenic Air Force's increased capabilities and effectiveness on the global stage. Not only does it showcase their skills and prowess, but also underscores their vital role in enhancing deterrence and international cooperation. The HAF's commitment to continuous improvement and excellence is evident in its active involvement in these exercises, setting a high standard for other air forces to follow. And the sound of their aircraft can even be heard loud and clear in Zakynthos, showcasing the HAF's presence and impact.
​source:- HAF.gr

Travelers planning to fly in or out of Greek airports on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, can breathe a sigh of relief — all flights will operate as scheduled, despite a nationwide strike originally planned to include air traffic controllers.
What Happened?
The Greek Air Traffic Controllers Association (EEEKE), along with OSYPA and ENIMAEK, had announced their participation in the 24-hour strike declared by ADEDY, Greece’s civil servants’ union. However, a last-minute legal intervention has changed the course of events.



 Court Rules Participation Illegal.
According to an official announcement by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Single-Member Court of First Instance of Athens ruled that the participation of the above unions in the strike was illegal.
As a result, air traffic controllers will not be taking part in the industrial action.


What This Means for Travelers?
​If you have a flight scheduled on Wednesday, October 1st, you can proceed with your plans as normal. No flight delays or cancellations are expected due to strike action.
This decision comes as a significant relief for thousands of passengers, especially during a busy travel season and amid growing concerns over strike-related disruptions across various public services in Greece.
​

Final Travel Tips

• Check with your airline closer to your departure time, just in case of unrelated delays.
• Arrive at the airport early, as increased passenger volume may still affect security or check-in lines.
• Keep an eye on official updates from the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (www.ypa.gr) or your airport's website.

Stay safe and happy travels!

The Hellenic Police have announced that a nationwide test of the Civil Defense alarm sirens will take place on Wednesday, October 1, as part of the annual military exercise “PARMENION-25.”
The test will involve all Civil Defense sirens across the country, and it is purely procedural. Authorities emphasize that there is no cause for public concern or alarm, as the activation is strictly a test of the emergency warning system.
In parallel with the sirens, church bells across Greece will also sound in a specific rhythm—a series of short chimes lasting approximately three minutes, synchronized with the siren alerts.


Details of the Siren TestAccording to the official schedule released by the Hellenic Police (ELAS), the sirens will be activated in stages across different regions. The test will include variations in duration, tone, and intensity to simulate different types of alerts, including:

• Air raid warning signals
  
• End-of-alert tones
  
• CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) threat alerts
  

Indicative timing:

• At 11:00 a.m. local time, a nationwide air raid alert will sound.
  
• This will be followed by regional siren activations in sectors such as the Northeast, South, West, Central, and East.
  
• The testing program will conclude by 12:55 p.m. with the final warning and “end-of-alert” signals.
  

This simulation is designed to ensure the operational readiness and responsiveness of Greece’s Civil Defense system and to evaluate coordination between military and civilian authorities.
The “PARMENION” exercise is an annual large-scale national defense drill involving multiple branches of the armed forces and civil protection agencies.
source:- tanea.gr

Majority of Canceled Flights to Depart Today; No Serious Damage Reported on the Island
Zakynthos, Greece – Flights to and from Zakynthos that were canceled last night due to persistent low cloud cover are resuming operations from noon onwards today. Of the 27 flights affected, at least 24 are expected to proceed as planned. These flights include international routes to and from the United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, France, as well as one domestic flight to Athens International Airport (El. Venizelos).
More than 90% of affected passengers spent the night in local hotels at no personal cost, thanks to coordination between local authorities and tourism services on the island.
Despite the two-day spell of bad weather, Zakynthos largely avoided serious incidents. This was credited to proactive measures taken by the Municipality, the Sub-Region, and the Civil Protection Agency. Key flood-prone areas—such as Lithakia, Agalas, and other vulnerable zones—were preemptively cleared and secured.
The only notable disruption occurred last night in Alykanas, where a road was flooded for over three hours. Twelve tourists staying at a nearby hotel requested relocation after water began entering the property’s courtyard. Authorities quickly responded, and the guests were safely transferred.

Additionally, on the Agalas–Lithakia road, where concerns had been highest, a minor landslide involving gravel and soil was reported. The incident was swiftly managed by Civil Protection crews already stationed in the area with heavy machinery on standby.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely, but normalcy has largely returned to the island.
source:- Hmera Zakynthos. 

A notable change in weather is on the horizon, with widespread unsettled conditions expected to set in from next Thursday onward. According to the latest run of the GFS forecast model, a general deterioration in weather is anticipated across the region.
Other major forecasting models are also aligning with this trend, though there are natural variations in the projected path and intensity of the approaching system.
The key takeaways remain consistent: a high probability of widespread rainfall, a sharp drop in temperatures, and overall unstable conditions. As the forecast continues to evolve and newer data becomes available, we will provide timely updates with more specific details here in the group. Stay tuned and stay prepared.
​source:- Meteo

​An atmospheric disturbance will manifest itself in our country from Italy, due to the high pressure over Northern Europe, significantly affecting the Mediterranean. Based on the latest data, a drop in temperature of up to 8 degrees below is expected from today, keeping the temperature up to a little below the normal data for the season.

Starting tomorrow, Saturday (27.09.25) in the afternoon, a storm system will commence in our country, with the main characteristics being heavy rains, intense storms and gale force winds that will reach up to 8 Beaufort, according to meteorologists' forecasts for the last 24 hours.

Today at noon, according to meteorologist Theodoros Kolidas, an emergency bulletin will be issued by the Hellenic Meteorological Service, which will provide more details on where the bad weather will "hit" most intensely.
At the moment forecasts suggest that Zakynthos Ilia, Achaia and Messinia will be in the crossline. Thus causing heavy downpours from Saturday night onwards. Other forecasts suggest that the brunt of the storm will take place at sea, further south. Nevertheless, a warning for Zakynthos and western - northwestern Peloponnese is worth more than enough, primarily for flooding phenomena.
Below we can see the forecasts from this evening with a height being on Sunday just after midnight then again intensifying around six o'clock in the evening. 

Zakynthos Informer will update as news bulletins come through. 
​source:-  CNN.gr

A large fire is currently raging in an agricultural and forest area between the villages of Lithakia, Agala and Kiliomenos in Zakynthos. The entire fire brigade of the island is working at the scene, with the assistance of volunteers and the Civil Protection of the Municipality and the Sub-region, while aerial firefighting is being carried out. In particular, 35 firefighters are working with 13 vehicles and 8 aerial vehicles (5 aircraft, 3 helicopters). 112 was sent repeatedly for evacuation from the Agala area to Keri, Kiliomenos and Machairados, and evacuations have now been carried out in Agala and Keri.

Also, 14 firefighters are traveling by boat from Kyllini with one (1) hiking team of the 6th EMODE and four (4) vehicles, as well as 35 firefighters with three (3) hiking teams and 10 vehicles are scheduled to travel, while there is also assistance from Patras.

Fire now: The fire is raging in Zakynthos and is difficult to control
By order of the local authorities, businesses and hotels (in the Apelati area) were evacuated, as Agalas and Keri continue to be threatened. The peculiarity of the terrain is such that it creates turbulence, making the work of extinguishing the fire very difficult. At the same time, aerial vehicles at one time could not operate due to the strong winds and now as seas have clamed they will start dropping water again. Residents have been ordered to move away to the city of Zakynthos, so as not to cause any problems.

The flames have surrounded Agalas village, while evacuations have also taken place in the area. One house was also burnt, but it was deserted. Many farmhouses and houses, which are located within the agro-forestry area, are at risk.
****A plea to ALL visitors and residents NOT to approach the area, our authorities are trying to battle the fire and do not need "on lookers" to obstruct their mission of putting out the fire. Please adhere to all instructions given by our authorities. 

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE MUNICIPALITY OF ZAKYNTHOS
The Municipality of Zakynthos, sharing the anguish and difficulties of our fellow citizens from the mountain communities evacuated due to the fires, is offering temporary hospitality in the air-conditioned hall of the Cultural Center. Our thoughts are with all those who are being tested, with the commitment to stand by their side in every possible way.

Source ERTNEWS Zakynthos.