Dialogos

Failure of Government to Manage Waste Issue

Published January 15, 2026, 07:05
Failure of Government to Manage Waste Issue

The AKEL municipal group in the Municipality of Nicosia expresses strong concern over the government's failure to manage the waste issue and implement the 'Pay As You Throw' (PAYT) system. Despite the postponement of PAYT to 2025, the government has not taken the necessary steps for its implementation in 2026, as Cyprus lacks organic waste processing units, local authorities do not have the appropriate equipment, and there are serious problems with the OEDA units in Koshi and Pentakomo, for which Cyprus has been reported to the European Union. The pilot application of the PAYT program in Aglantzia, Nicosia, which started in 2020, shows weaknesses in financial viability and effectiveness in reducing waste. For 2025, the Municipality of Nicosia decided to charge a fixed fee of €100 for the purple bags, as a temporary solution for the Aglantzia Municipal District, and is expected to continue this practice in 2026. AKEL believes that the implementation of the program in Aglantzia does not reflect the philosophy of 'Pay As You Throw' and perceives that it is partially undermining it. Furthermore, it emphasizes that the government has a responsibility to implement its commitments based on a schedule and planning, as the fragmented implementation of such a system is not sustainable. AKEL commits to raising the issue again at the Municipal Council, seeking to exert pressure on the government to resolve the problem.