This thesis assesses the European Union’s waste management policies and proposes policy recommendations to improve Greece’s waste management system. As the EU moves toward a circular economy, effective waste management remains a crucial factor in achieving sustainability goals. The first chapter examines the key legislative frameworks governing waste management in the EU, including the Waste Framework Directive, the Landfill Directive, and other significant directives that establish the foundation for the efficient and sustainable management of solid waste. The second chapter discuss about waste management in Greece, providing a detailed analysis of the National Waste Management Plan and its alignment with EU targets. It examines the key stakeholders involved in the waste management system and offers an in-depth assessment of the challenges Greece faces, including infrastructure deficiencies, regulatory gaps, and low recycling rates. The third chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, examining its role in promoting sustainable waste management. It explores the key policy instruments that support EPR implementation, offers a detailed assessment of Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), and evaluates the environmental and economic impacts of EPR. Additionally, the chapter analyzes the structure and regulatory framework of the EPR market, highlighting best practices and challenges in its application across different sectors. The fourth chapter utilizes Python-based analysis of Eurostat waste data to evaluate municipal and packaging waste recycling trends across all EU Member States. By benchmarking Greece’s performance against its counterparts, the study identifies patterns, progress, and gaps in waste management efficiency. Through a detailed examination of recycling rates in each country, the analysis provides valuable insights into the factors influencing waste management success and highlights areas where Greece lags behind. These findings serve as a foundation for understanding Greece’s position within the EU framework and inform targeted policy recommendations for improvement. Lastly, chapter five builds on the research findings, which reveal that while many EU countries have significantly improved their recycling rates, Greece continues to face persistent hurdles. By examining case studies from high-performing EU MS, the chapter highlights best practices that could serve as a model for Greece. Based on these insights, it outlines targeted policy recommendations to strengthen Greece’s waste management system, proposing a comprehensive approach that includes stricter regulatory enforcement, financial incentives, technological advancements, and increased public awareness initiatives.