Volunteers from the environmental group Save Your Hood discovered medical records, sanitary waste and construction debris illegally dumped by the Kifisos River in Athens, raising concerns over hospital and business disposal practices.
During a recent cleanup, founder Vassilis Sfakianopoulos said he was “devastated” by the sheer volume of waste, including hospital entry and discharge forms from Tzaneio Hospital, alongside used and unused diapers, masks, and bathroom fixtures.
“Unfortunately, certain spots near roads are regularly targeted for illegal dumping,” he said.
Tzaneio Hospital, reached for comment, stated that document disposal was carried out legally through a certified contractor and questioned whether the debris found was theirs, although confirming recent renovations. Volunteers also found evidence linking the waste to a fabric company, an upscale Athens restaurant, and a foreign airline.
Authorities, including the Attica environmental department, the Ministry of Environment, and the Municipality of Acharnes, have been notified. Sfakianopoulos noted that the impunity for illegal dumping is widespread, bemoaning that those responsible don’t even try to cover their tracks.
A full investigation has yet to be announced.