Technical Excursion 2 2026
Visit to the DEDISA Waste Management Facilities
The second excursion of RETASTE 2026 begins with a visit to the innovative waste management facilities operated by DEDISA (the Trans-Municipal Enterprise of Solid Waste Management) in the region of Chania, Crete. DEDISA plays a central role in the modern, sustainable handling of municipal solid waste for the entire Prefecture of Chania, serving both local communities and seasonal visitors through comprehensive collection, sorting, recycling, and treatment services.
At the heart of the visit is the Mechanical Recycling and Composting Facility (EMAK), a state-of-the-art processing plant designed to treat a wide range of household waste streams, including mixed municipal solid waste, source-separated recyclables, and biodegradable materials such as organic waste and green pruning residues. The facility employs advanced mechanical and biological technologies to maximize material recovery, increase recycling rates, and reduce environmental impacts.
Participants on this excursion will learn about:
· how waste is received, sorted, and processed by modern equipment, including optical sorters and automated separation systems,
· the production of compost from organic fractions, a resource that can be reintegrated into agricultural and landscaping uses,
· and the integrated approach taken by DEDISA to manage not only recycling and composting but also residual waste streams and the adjacent landfill area.
DEDISA’s facilities are recognized for their comprehensive and forward-thinking waste management strategy, which combines technical innovation with community engagement and environmental responsibility. The organization has also been acknowledged in national and regional sustainability awards for promoting circular economy practices and awareness programs that extend beyond the plant itself.
This visit offers a unique opportunity to see first-hand how modern waste infrastructure operates in practice, providing valuable insights for professionals, researchers, and policymakers interested in topics such as resource recovery, sustainable urban services, and environmental planning.
Archaeological Museum of Chania
The Archaeological Museum of Chania is one of the most significant cultural institutions in western Crete, presenting the rich archaeological heritage of the region from prehistoric times through the Roman era. It is located in the historic suburb of Chalepa, in a striking modern building that has become a landmark for the city.
The museum’s permanent collection is carefully organized across multiple galleries, offering visitors a chronological journey through human activity in the region:
· From the earliest human presence, including artefacts from Neolithic sites and prehistoric settlements,
· Through the rise of significant ancient cities such as Kydonia and Aptera,
· To daily life, religion, trade, and warfare in historical periods up to the Roman age.
Life in ancient Crete is brought to life through a varied display of pottery, tools, jewellery, coins, sculptures, and mosaics, providing deep insight into the social structure, economy, and cultural practices of the peoples who lived here. New multimedia installations, tactile exhibits, and Braille captions enrich the experience for all visitors.
Opened in its current premises in 2022, the museum was designed to meet international exhibition standards while offering panoramic views over the city and the seafront. Its architecture symbolises the layers of history hidden beneath the earth’s surface, echoing the archaeological stories displayed within.
Alongside the permanent exhibition, the museum also hosts temporary displays, educational activities, and cultural events, making it a vibrant centre for learning and engagement with Crete’s past.
This visit gives participants a rare chance to explore not only significant ancient artefacts but also the evolution of civilisation on Crete, from its earliest inhabitants to well-established historic societies, and to appreciate the continuity of human creativity and adaptation in this remarkable Mediterranean landscape.