**Municipalities Warn of Funding Gaps Ahead of Pay-As-You-Throw Scheme Launch**
The union of municipalities in Cyprus has issued a stern warning regarding the upcoming pay-as-you-throw scheme, highlighting unresolved funding and infrastructure issues that could hinder its planned rollout at the beginning of next year. The chairman of the union and mayor of Larnaca, Andreas Vyras, expressed his firm stance on the matter, stating that without addressing these outstanding concerns, he cannot commit to the implementation of the scheme.
The pay-as-you-throw model proposes that households will be charged based on the volume of mixed waste they generate, rather than a fixed rate. This approach is viewed by the environment department as a significant measure to reduce landfill disposal, which currently sees approximately 65 percent of Cyprus's waste ending up in landfills. The initiative aims to encourage households to minimize their waste output by creating a direct financial incentive.
However, Vyras raised critical questions regarding the capacity of the private contractor, Green Dot, to manage the increasing volumes of recyclable materials that the scheme is expected to generate. He also expressed concerns about the availability of inspectors necessary for enforcing the new waste management regulations. “You can’t set a date without resolving these core issues,” Vyras emphasized, insisting that under the current circumstances, “there is no way the system will be implemented” by the proposed January deadline.
In addition to the pay-as-you-throw scheme, the separate collection of household organic waste is mandated by law starting January 2024. However, this initiative will not be launched simultaneously with the pay-as-you-throw model. Instead, it will be phased in gradually, beginning with larger waste producers such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and military camps.
Costas Constantinou, the permanent secretary of the environment directorate, acknowledged the challenges associated with the immediate implementation of organic waste separation. Nonetheless, he maintained that the charging model would still incentivize households to reduce their mixed waste output, even if the organic waste collection is not immediately available.
Municipalities are seeking clarity on several key issues before the scheme can proceed. These include the establishment of organic waste processing sites, funding for necessary equipment, licensing for the packaging waste system, and an increase in annual state grants from €117 million to €170 million. Vyras pointed out that the implementation of the scheme would be particularly challenging in remote communities, where the responsibilities for recycling collection and associated costs remain unclear.
A delegation from the union is scheduled to meet with Constantinou next week to discuss a timeline for resolving these critical issues. “It must be clarified when the issues will be resolved and then a date can be set,” Vyras stated, emphasizing the need for a clear plan before moving forward with the scheme.
The union of municipalities has cautioned that proceeding with the rollout of the pay-as-you-throw scheme without adequate preparation could lead to increased financial burdens on the public. With treatment facilities like Pentakomo requiring an estimated €162 million in upgrades, the municipalities are urging for immediate action to address the financial and infrastructural gaps that currently exist.
As discussions continue, the future of the pay-as-you-throw scheme remains uncertain, with municipalities advocating for a thorough resolution of the outstanding issues to ensure a successful implementation that benefits both the environment and the public.