The government is moving to address gaps in waste disposal infrastructure in rural areas through the creation of temporary green points and the deployment of mobile green kiosks, amid growing concern over illegal dumping sites that frequently spark wildfires.
According to senior environmental officer Ioanna Konstantinidou, 18 communities have so far submitted requests to the Environment Department for the establishment of temporary green points within their boundaries. The requests are expected to be forwarded to the Council of Ministers for approval. Some cases involve applications for the use of state or Turkish Cypriot land, which will be examined individually. The overall target is the creation of 20 temporary green points across Cyprus.
Land availability remains a key obstacle
Speaking previously to Politis, Andreas Kitromilides, President of the Union of Communities, underlined that the rollout of temporary green points is constrained by the lack of available community owned land. To overcome this, communities have turned to the Department of Lands and Surveys to secure the temporary allocation of government land. He expressed hope that the relevant spaces would be made available during 2026.
It has also been agreed between the Union of Communities and the Environment Department that the state will cover the cost of skips placed at green points. These will allow residents to dispose of materials such as wood, plastics and electrical appliances.
Bridging the gap until permanent facilities expand
Ms Konstantinidou said the temporary green points will operate until the national network of permanent green points, managed by the Water Development Department, is expanded.
At present, 29 green points are in operation in urban and peri urban areas. Three new facilities have recently opened in Ayia Napa, Troulloi and Avdimou, while the green point in Alambra has been upgraded. Plans are in place for the creation of 11 additional permanent green points by 2028, six of which are scheduled for completion in 2026. These include six in Nicosia district, one in Larnaca, two in free Famagusta and two in Limassol.
Green kiosks for remote communities
In parallel, waste disposal needs in small and remote communities will be supported through the deployment of 50 green kiosks, container based units allowing residents to dispose of recyclable materials. Their installation was completed in October, with electricity connections pending.
Of these, 20 kiosks will function as small scale green points, with an additional container placed alongside them to collect bulky waste.
Fires linked to illegal dumping sites
Major wildfires in recent years have been linked to the burning of waste at illegal dumping sites, according to data compiled by Terra Cypria and submitted to Parliament. Among the most significant incidents are:
- In June 2024, a fire in Paphos district affected communities including Drynia, Polemi, Kourdaka, Choulou and Amargeti, burning approximately 1,490 hectares following waste burning in the Ezousa Valley area.
- In August 2023, a fire in Limassol district, spanning Ypsonas, Alassa, Apsiou, Korfi and surrounding communities, burned 882 hectares in the Vati area, again linked to waste combustion.
- In August 2011, a fire in Anogyra burned 665 hectares in the Kapsalia and Ha Potami areas, with waste burning identified as the cause.
Authorities see the rollout of temporary green points and kiosks as a critical interim step in reducing illegal dumping and mitigating wildfire risks in the countryside.