Athens Municipality Announces Anti-Graffiti Service, Smartphone App to Help Keep City Clean

Photo source: Athens Municipality

The Athens Municipality recently announced a series of initiatives to improve the city’s image, including upgrading the anti-graffiti service and encouraging cleanliness with a new app for citizens.

During a recent city council meeting, the need to strengthen three key areas was emphasized: regulation and enforcement, new infrastructure, and the education and motivation of citizens.

According to the municipality, the anti-graffiti service in streets, parks, squares, and public buildings will be upgraded to efficiently remove offensive phrases and images.

Additionally, a new cleaning app will be launched to inform citizens about waste collection schedules by area, and QR codes will be placed on bins to provide guidance on proper waste disposal.

“We are developing a comprehensive framework that encompasses stricter controls, new infrastructure, and active citizen participation,” said Mayor Haris Doukas.

Additional initiatives into the plan

Mayor Haris Doukas. Photo source: Athens Municipality

Further describing the municipal plan, Doukas stressed that the program includes 9 more initiatives and actions aimed at creating a cleaner Athens, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for citizens and improving the city’s image.

The municipality’s action plan outlines the following initiatives:

– Establishment of a cleanliness control team comprising municipal police and cleaning supervisors, beginning on September 9 in the city center and expanding to all municipal communities, to monitor violations and impose fines immediately.

– Full operation of the Waste Transfer Station (SMA) starting October 1, aimed at ensuring the most efficient and environmentally friendly management of the city’s waste.

– Placement of additional bins in areas prone to overflow, accompanied by surveillance and the introduction of extra ‘satellite’ routes to remove rubbish outside of bins, thereby alleviating congestion.

– Installation of 62 submersible bin systems at strategic points throughout the city to enhance urban aesthetics, reduce odors, and manage waste more efficiently.

Photo source: Athens Municipality

– Organization of cleaning activities six days a week across all city neighborhoods, with the most extensive and intensive efforts scheduled every Sunday.

– Expansion of the household bio-waste collection program from the 5th to the 3rd and 7th arrondissements, along with information campaigns and distribution of household bins to residents and businesses in September to facilitate waste sorting and recycling at the source.

– Collection of all abandoned vehicles, with new abandoned cars registered and older ones removed on a weekly basis per apartment.

– Collaboration with institutional bodies to establish a cooperative framework for waste deposit schedules, bio-waste collection, and related processes.

– Creation of an active volunteer network dedicated to organizing cleaning activities throughout the city.