A new state-of-the-art recycling plant is being planned by Green Dot, aiming to significantly reduce the volume of waste sent for burial at the Koshi Integrated Waste Management Facility.
The tender process for the construction of the facility has been completed, with bids from interested contractors opened on Monday. The plant, to be built in the heavy industrial zone of Tseri, is estimated to cost €1.75 million excluding VAT, while a separate tender for equipment, valued at €4.95 million, is expected to be opened in mid-May.
Green Dot’s board aims to award both contracts within May, with a projected construction and installation timeline of 15 months, targeting completion by July 2027.
According to Green Dot General Manager Marios Vrachimis, the facility will be capable of processing up to 36,000 tonnes of packaging waste annually. This includes plastic materials, metal packaging such as cans and sprays, tetra pak containers, and paper.
He noted that the plant’s capacity will cover the entirety of waste collected nationwide, particularly for PMD materials. However, decisions regarding paper processing will depend on further economic assessment, given logistical considerations linked to transport and export via ports.
Reducing pressure on Koshi
Vrachimis said the new plant will significantly ease the burden on the Koshi facility, where a portion of recyclable materials is currently still being buried.
“With the completion of the plant, Koshi will no longer be burdened with the materials we send today. This will lead to a substantial reduction in landfill use for certain waste streams,” he said.
Fully automated system
The facility will feature advanced automation, including optical and air separation technologies designed to identify and sort recyclable materials efficiently. It is expected to be the first plant of its kind in Cyprus.
Vrachimis added that the plant will also serve an educational purpose, with plans to offer guided tours to schools, university students and journalists.
“You will be able to show a classroom how recycling actually works. Until now, that was not possible,” he said.
The project will be developed on a 20,000 square metre site and will include sorting facilities, open storage areas, a weighbridge, loading infrastructure, truck parking, and administrative offices. The design also incorporates accessibility features for persons with disabilities.
Timeline and implementation
The construction contract is expected to be awarded in mid-May, with a 15-month completion period. The equipment contractor will require approximately nine months for delivery and installation.
Both components are scheduled to be completed simultaneously by July 2027. The equipment contractor will also be responsible for system design, installation, operational setup and staff training.
According to tender documents, the contract will be awarded to the most economically advantageous bid based on price. In the event of identical offers, the final selection will be made by a draw.