Cyprus to Step Up Fight Against Illegal Construction Waste Dumps

Authorities in the Republic of Cyprus are stepping up the fight against the illegal dumping of construction and demolition waste. The Department of Environment has described the problem as one of the most serious environmental threats.

Deputy Director of the department Elena Stylianopoulou said that the action plan developed by the authorities is already being implemented and is gradually covering all stages of construction waste management — from construction companies and property owners to waste recycling facilities.

On 17 July, the Council of Ministers approved the allocation of 1 million euros to eliminate illegal dumps. Such funding has been provided for the third consecutive year. The funds are intended to reduce the risk of fires and protect the environment and public health.

According to Stylianopoulou, the authorities’ aim is not only to identify individual violations, but also to improve compliance with environmental requirements across the construction industry.

At the same time, she stressed that far from all market participants violate the law, and that the main focus will be on systematic monitoring and prevention.

Particular attention is being paid to construction sites, since that is where the construction waste management chain begins.

In February this year, Cyprus doubled the maximum fine for illegal waste dumping to 40,000 euros.

In addition, at the beginning of next year, the authorities plan to launch a GPS tracking system for construction waste containers, which will make it possible to monitor their movements and prevent the illegal dumping of waste.