Sorting and Recycling Waste in Cyprus

With a population of just over a million people, Cyprus produces a significant amount of waste. However, the situation is gradually improving due to increasing awareness and government initiatives. Here is an overview of the different types of waste, recycling methods, and collection points across the country.

• Types of Waste for Recycling
• Waste Collection Companies
• Collection Points and Methods
• Frequently Asked Questions

Types of Waste for Recycling in Cyprus

In Cyprus, recycling primarily targets several major waste streams.

Paper and Cardboard

One of the most frequently recycled materials, paper and cardboard, is collected in special containers and reception points. This category includes newspapers, magazines, office paper, and packaging materials.

Plastic

Plastic waste, which often includes bottles, containers, and other packaging, is sorted into various categories depending on the type of plastic. In Cyprus, commonly recycled plastics include PET (polyethylene terephthalate), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), and LDPE (low-density polyethylene).

Glass

Glass bottles and jars are collected separately and recycled into new glass products. The glass recycling process is well established, with collection points available for residents and businesses.

Metal (Aluminum and Steel)

Metal recycling includes aluminum cans, steel cans, and other metal items. Collection is carried out through various municipal and private programs.

Electrical and Electronic Waste

Electronic waste includes discarded electronic devices such as computers, TVs, and mobile phones. Specialized companies, including telecommunications operators like CYTA, handle the safe disposal and recycling of hazardous components in electronic waste.

Batteries

Used batteries are hazardous and require special recycling. Collection points are available in many retail locations, schools, and government buildings to prevent harmful substances from leaking into the environment.

Organic Waste

Compared to other types of waste, organic waste recycling is in its early stages of development. Some municipalities offer composting services for food waste, yard clippings, and other organic materials.

Textiles

Clothing and textiles can be recycled or reused through charitable organizations, special containers, and second-hand stores. These efforts aim to reduce the volume of textiles sent to landfills.

Waste Collection and Disposal Companies

Green Dot Cyprus

Plastic and metal packaging, beverage boxes and bottles, paper, glass.

Anakyklos Perivallontiki

Textiles, old clothing.

PASYKAF

Textiles, old clothing.

AFIS Cyprus

Batteries and accumulators up to 2 kilograms.

WEEE Electrocyclosis Cyprus

Electronics and electrical equipment, fluorescent lamps (but not incandescent lamps).

Recycling Collection Points and Methods in Cyprus

Recycling collection in Cyprus is carried out through a combination of municipal services, private initiatives, and non-governmental organizations.

Municipal Recycling Programs

Many local municipalities in Cyprus have developed recycling programs offering curbside collection services. Residents are typically provided with separate containers for different types of waste, such as plastic, paper, and glass.

Recycling Centers

Special recycling centers where residents can drop off a wide range of recyclable materials, including bulky waste and electronic waste. These centers are equipped to handle large volumes of recyclables and specialized waste, such as electronics, batteries, and hazardous materials.

Private Recycling Companies

Several private companies and organizations collect recyclables from businesses and households, often focusing on specific types of waste such as paper, metals, and plastic. Sometimes these companies have their own recycling drop-off points.

Reverse Vending Machines

To encourage recycling, reverse vending machines have been installed in various supermarkets and public places. These machines accept bottles and cans, providing discounts on purchases in return.

Charitable and Non-Governmental Organizations

Various charitable and non-governmental organizations play a role in recycling textiles and electronic waste. They organize collection drives and offer drop-off points for clothing, shoes, and electronic devices, ensuring these materials are reused or recycled.

Frequently Asked Questions about Waste Collection in Cyprus

How to find special waste bins?

Using the special RecyclingCy app and calling 7000 0090, you can find the location of special waste bins for different types of waste, as well as information on the nearest collection initiatives.

How to dispose of bulky waste?

For this, you need to order a vehicle from your municipality, with the cost of such a service ranging from 20 to 90 euros depending on the volume of waste.

Is waste recycled in Cyprus?

There are no recycling plants on the island itself; only glass is reused in the construction industry. However, waste is sorted and sent to plants in Europe. Additionally, used textiles go to charitable organizations.

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