A broken coffin left on a city street, an abandoned boat on a sidewalk and discarded medical testing materials are among the strangest items sanitation workers have been called to remove in Greece’s second-largest city, according to local authorities.
Officials in Thessaloniki say illegal dumping of bulky waste remains a growing problem, despite repeated appeals for residents to use municipal collection services.
Sofas, mattresses, electrical appliances and toilet fixtures are among the most common objects abandoned next to garbage bins. But sanitation crews have also encountered far more unusual items that, according to local officials, have left workers shocked.
Among the most notable discoveries was a damaged coffin discarded on a roadside, as well as a boat mysteriously left on a pavement.
Workers have also found laboratory reagents used in blood testing, expired medical supplies and leftover materials from the COVID-19 pandemic, including nasal swabs and virus transport tubes. Wedding crowns — traditionally used in Greek Orthodox marriage ceremonies — were also reportedly discovered among the dumped items.
Thousands of Tons Collected
The Municipality of Thessaloniki said it collected around 12,500 tons of bulky waste during 2025. In just the first four and a half months of 2026, another 5,000 tons have already been removed from neighborhoods across the city.
Deputy Mayor for Cleanliness and Recycling Lazaros Zachariadis warned that the total volume this year could exceed last year’s figures if the current pace continues.
“As citizens, we do not seem to be changing our habits, despite repeated calls for cooperation,” Zachariadis said. “The situation has not improved, even though residents can contact municipal services and we can collect bulky items within a few hours.”
Nighttime Dumping Hampers Enforcement
City officials say identifying offenders remains difficult because many people dump unwanted items during the night. Authorities can only impose administrative fines if violators are caught in the act.
“We want a clean city and this is everyone’s responsibility,” Zachariadis said. “We will continue the battle against illegal dumping and call on citizens to cooperate with municipal services. Protecting public spaces is a sign of respect.”
