14 October 2025: Children Become Environmental Ambassadors in Rethymno’s E-Waste Recycling Event
The Municipality of Rethymno successfully celebrated the World Day of Recycling of Electrical and Electronic Devices with an experiential and educational event at Unknown Soldier Square, engaging more than 220 primary school students and members of the public.
The action was organized within the framework of the European eWAsTER project under the Interreg Euro-MED Programme, in which the Municipality of Rethymno actively participates as a partner. The eWAsTER project aims to strengthen local and regional policies for the sustainable management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), promote circular business models, and raise public awareness about environmental protection through education and participation.
“WEEE BEHAVE” – Turning Awareness into Action
As part of the project, the pilot initiative “WEEE BEHAVE” is being implemented, including action plans, educational tools, and strategic collaborations designed to protect Mediterranean ecosystems from pollution caused by electronic waste.
During the event, students took part in interactive experiential workshops, educational games, and hands-on recycling demonstrations. They observed how computers and electronic devices are dismantled and recycled, learned which valuable materials are recovered, and discovered how these can be reused within the industry.
Students also recycled old devices they no longer used in special bins provided by SA Appliances Recycling, while receiving commemorative gifts — campaign hats and eco-friendly pencils — as reminders of the initiative’s central message:
“Give Value to Its Next Life.”
Launch of the Awareness Campaign
This celebration marks the launch of the Municipality of Rethymno’s campaign “Add Value to Its Next Life”, implemented under the “WEEE BEHAVE” framework. In the coming months, the Municipality will continue its educational and informational initiatives, targeting both schools and the wider community, to promote proper recycling practices and environmental responsibility.
Statements from Local Leadership
Mayor of Rethymno, Mr. George Marinakis, emphasized:
“Through our participation in European programs such as eWAsTER, we learn how to better manage what technology produces for our society — even after its period of usefulness. By organizing events like today’s, we promote the values of recycling and raise awareness, particularly among young people. Children can lead by example, adopting sustainable habits and helping shape a more environmentally conscious future. We sincerely thank all teachers, students, and partners who contributed to this successful initiative.”
Vice-Mayor for the Environment, Mr. Stelios Spanoudakis, added:
“Today’s action was a celebration of knowledge, participation, and environmental awareness. The students of Rethymno proved that the new generation is ready to take an active role in protecting our environment. Through the eWAsTER program and the campaign ‘Give Value to Its Next Life,’ the Municipality of Rethymno invests in education and practice — because recycling electrical and electronic devices is not just an eco-friendly choice, but an act of responsibility, knowledge, and respect for our place and for future generations.”
