Nicosia, Cyprus. The House on Thursday passed amendments to the Waste Law to increase fines for fly-tipping, while MPs warned that weak enforcement could limit the impact of the legislation. The bill was approved with 29 votes in favour and four against.
Fines increased under Waste Law amendments
Under the changes, the out-of-court fine issued by an inspector increases from €4,000 to €8,000, while the maximum fine issued by a chief inspector rises from €20,000 to €40,000.
MPs cite scale of illegal dumping and enforcement gaps
Akel MP Nikos Kettiros said that around 800 illegal landfills are scattered throughout Cyprus and argued that raising fines without adequate checks would make little difference.
Kettiros also said the management of debris from demolitions has come under the control of the mob, adding that inspectors are often too afraid to act.
Greens MP Stavros Papadouris cited a complaint in which an inspector was threatened by mobsters.
Greens MP Charalambos Theopemptou described waste management as one of the biggest problems facing the country and said it was “shameful” that small landfills exist even inside city limits.
Independent MP Alexandra Attalidou criticised the government for inaction and called on authorities to clean up all illegal sites by summer.
Do you think higher fines will reduce fly-tipping without stronger enforcement?
