Change4Planet: Second Chance for Product and Planet

Acronym: Change4Planet
Start Date: 29/06/2026
End Date: 28/06/2028
Call: 1ST CALL_CALL FOR COMMON PROJECT PROPOSALS - STAGE B
Type: Ordinary

Priority

PRIORITY 1 - A more Resilient and Greener Greece-Bulgaria Cross Border Territory

Policy Objective

02 - A greener, low carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy & resilient Europe by promoting clean & fair energy transition, green & blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation & adaptation risk prevention & management, and sustainable urban mobility

Specific Objective

RSO2.6. Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy

Intervention Field

067. Household waste management: prevention, minimization, sorting, reuse, recycling measures

Project Description

Summary

CHANGE4PLANET promotes the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy by tackling waste generation at its root. The project aims to give products a second life through reuse, repair, and awareness-raising actions, while also addressing illegal waste disposal and strengthening local circular value chains. Key actions include:

Establishment of Reuse Centres where citizens can drop off used items such as furniture, clothing, and electronics, to be repurposed by others.
Organization of repair workshops and campaigns to educate communities on how to extend product lifecycles.
Development of joint studies and symposiums to enhance waste governance and cross-border cooperation.
Use of specialised equipment to detect and clean illegal dumping sites, improving the environmental health of target areas.
Creation of local and regional production loops and an online marketplace to connect producers and consumers more sustainably.

CHANGE4PLANET empowers citizens, municipalities, and stakeholders to rethink consumption patterns, reduce environmental impact, and build a stronger culture of sustainability. The project actively contributes to the goals of the EU Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and national waste management strategies.

Expected Results

The project will deliver tangible results that strengthen circular economy practices, improve waste management, and increase public participation in sustainable behaviours across the cross-border region. The actions enhance environmental protection through waste prevention, reuse, and resource efficiency.

Main Expected Results:

Increased reuse and repair rates through the operation of Reuse & Repair Centres, reducing waste sent to landfill.
Improved municipal capacity for sustainable collection and management of bulky waste through mobile collection equipment.
Reduced illegal dumping through better monitoring and targeted clean-up actions.
Increased citizen awareness and behavioural change through communication campaigns, workshops, and educational activities.
Enhanced cross-border cooperation through shared methodologies, tools, and pilot actions.

The project will benefit:

Citizens and households: access to reuse and repair services, improved local environment, and reduced waste-related costs.
Municipal authorities: increased operational capacity and lower clean-up costs.
Youth, schools, and NGOs: active participation in awareness and environmental education activities.

Overall, the project will lead to lasting changes in waste prevention culture, improved environmental governance, and greater sustainability in local communities.

Expected Outcomes

The project outputs include:

Development of new circular economy initiatives, including Reuse & Repair Centres, repair workshops, and awareness actions.
Establishment of cross-border mechanisms for environmental protection through joint methodologies, pilot actions, and cooperation frameworks.
Reaching a significant share of the population through awareness-raising campaigns, educational activities, and community engagement events.

The project’s target groups and beneficiaries include:

Residents and households will benefit from free access to repair and reuse services, participation in workshops, and improved waste collection systems, which contribute to a cleaner local environment.
Local authorities and municipalities will strengthen their operational capacity through new tools, equipment, and infrastructure that support waste prevention, reduce landfill disposal, and lower the costs associated with waste management and illegal dumping.
Local producers and artisans will have opportunities to participate in circular economy networks and benefit from initiatives that promote local value chains and sustainable production practices.
Educational institutions and NGOs will play an active role in awareness-raising campaigns, environmental education activities, and capacity-building actions aimed at fostering responsible consumption and resource efficiency.
Cross-border stakeholders will benefit from strengthened cooperation, the exchange of good practices, and the development of shared solutions for sustainable environmental management.

The project promotes long-term behavioural change, fosters cross-sector collaboration, and directly supports the programme’s environmental and circular economy goals.

Budget

Total:
1.232.586€ERDF:
986.069€National Funds:
246.517€Private Funds:
0€

Partnership

	Type	Country	Location of Activities
RURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF NORTH EVROS S.A. (2)	NGO / Non-Profit Organization	Greece	EL511 - Evros
MUNICIPALITY OF DIDYMOTEICHO	Public	Greece	EL511 - Evros
MUNICIPALITY OF HALKIDONA	Public	Greece	EL522 - Thessaloniki
MUNICIPALITY OF MOMCHILGRAD	Public	Bulgaria	BG425 - Kardzhali

Location of Activities

Social Media

Events

News

Multimedia

Distinctions

Keywords

MIS 6010809 , circular economy, resource-efficient economy, reuse, repair products, waste management, Reuse Centres

Deliverables

No Deliverables for that Project