The Cyprus Union of Municipalities has voiced serious reservations about government plans to introduce the Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) waste-charging system nationwide from 1 January 2027, arguing that key infrastructure and conditions remain unresolved.
In a statement issued following reports on the government's plans, the Union described unilateral announcements on PAYT implementation as "unrealistic", saying they were made without meaningful consultation or agreement with local authorities.
The reaction follows revelations that the government intends to roll out PAYT nationwide in early 2027, despite the separate collection of household organic waste not being ready for simultaneous implementation.
Municipalities cite major gaps
According to the Union, a project of this scale cannot be advanced through public announcements and unilateral deadlines alone.
It said effective implementation requires:
- Comprehensive planning
- Institutional dialogue
- Adequate funding
- Necessary equipment and infrastructure
The Union argued that public statements by the Department of Environment reveal contradictions in the government's approach.
While PAYT is being presented as mandatory within months, officials have also acknowledged that essential infrastructure remains incomplete.
The statement noted that a €20 million state-funded organic waste treatment facility has yet to be assigned a location.
Concerns over organic waste collection
Municipalities expressed particular concern that separate collection of household organic waste will not be in place when PAYT begins.
They argued that the philosophy of the system relies on citizens being able to separate waste streams, reduce mixed waste volumes and, consequently, lower their charges.
Without separate collection of organics, they warned, residents will have fewer opportunities to reduce their waste bills.
The Union cautioned that, under such conditions, a policy designed as an environmental tool could instead become an additional financial burden on households.
Call for national plan
The Union stressed that municipalities and residents should not be expected to bear the cost of delays and shortcomings in state infrastructure.
It revealed that it has already requested an official meeting with new Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Minister Christos Senekis.
The organisation is calling for the immediate presentation of a comprehensive and workable national plan, including:
- A clear implementation timetable
- Adequate funding
- Clearly defined responsibilities
'Municipalities and citizens cannot pay'
The Union said it supports the green transition and recognises the need for reform in waste management.
However, it argued that environmental targets cannot be achieved through unilateral announcements or timelines that do not reflect operational realities.
"The government must first ensure that the necessary infrastructure and resources are in place," the statement said.
"Municipalities and citizens cannot be expected to pay the price for government unpreparedness."
