Alpha News

“Myth” That Landfill Tax Won’t Burden Citizens, “Pay As You Throw” in Jeopardy

Published February 19, 2026, 09:28

The Mayor of Germasogeia, Kyriakos Xydias, has strongly criticized the government's plans to impose a landfill tax, arguing that it will inevitably be passed on to citizens. He points to the lack of infrastructure for waste management and the failure to implement the “Pay As You Throw” system. Mr. Xydias emphasizes that assurances that citizens will not be burdened are unrealistic, as the cost will inevitably be transferred to consumers through increased municipal fees. The Mayor states that the imposition of the tax is being rushed in order to avoid losing European funds, but without the necessary readiness of the system. He also announces the reaction of the Union of Municipalities, which will be discussed at the next meeting of the executive committee.