The Union of Cyprus Municipalities has warned that Cyprus is not ready to proceed with implementation of the Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) waste management system, responding to Tuesday's Politis front-page report outlining plans by the General Directorate of Environment for nationwide implementation of the new municipal waste collection and management system in early 2027, two and a half years behind schedule.
Environment Director-General Dr Costas Constantinou had explained that PAYT would initially be implemented without a separate collection stream for household organic waste, while placing the collection of organic waste from major producers, such as hotels, restaurants and hospitals, within 2027.
Regarding PAYT, he noted that €25 million in European funding has been earmarked for municipalities and communities to meet infrastructure needs. Local authorities have been asked to prepare feasibility studies and action plans, while some areas have progressed further than others in their preparations.
The Union of Municipalities, in a statement, makes clear that it does not disagree with the philosophy of PAYT. However, it expresses serious reservations about the universal implementation of the system from 1 January 2027. It notes that Constantinou did not refer to a specific date but rather to the beginning of the new year.
According to the Union, its concerns stem mainly from the absence of essential infrastructure and prerequisites.
The municipalities place particular emphasis on what they describe as the Environment Directorate's own acknowledgements.
"On the one hand," the statement says, "mandatory implementation of PAYT is being announced within a few months, while on the other hand it is acknowledged that key prerequisites for the system's full operation have not yet been secured."
The Union further complains that the timetable was announced unilaterally without prior substantive consultation and agreement with local government authorities.
It stresses that for PAYT to operate effectively, comprehensive planning, institutional dialogue, adequate funding, equipment and, above all, the necessary infrastructure are required.
Contradiction in the planning
The Union of Municipalities says its greatest concern is the launch of PAYT without the simultaneous separate collection of household organic waste, something it argues creates a fundamental gap in the philosophy of the system.
"The philosophy of PAYT is based on the ability of citizens to separate their waste, reduce mixed waste and, consequently, reduce the fees they pay," the statement says.
"Without the collection of household organic waste, that ability is significantly restricted and there is a serious risk that an environmental tool will be transformed into an additional financial burden for citizens."
The Union argues that local authorities and residents cannot be expected to shoulder the financial consequences of delays and shortcomings in state infrastructure, which it describes as a fundamental prerequisite for the effective and fair implementation of the system.
As previously reported by Politis, €20 million in European funds has been allocated for the construction of a state organic waste processing facility. However, the Union notes that the new facility has not yet been assigned a location.
Call for national plan
The Union of Cyprus Municipalities has already requested an official meeting with the new Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.
The organisation says there is an urgent need for the presentation of a comprehensive and workable national plan, including:
- A clear timetable for implementation.
- Adequate funding.
- A clearly defined allocation of responsibilities.
It concludes that these elements must be in place before the PAYT system can be introduced nationwide.
