Cyprus approves €1 million to clear illegal waste dumping sites

Nicosia, Cyprus. The Council of Ministers approved €1 million in emergency aid on Thursday to clean up illegal waste dumping sites, marking the third consecutive year such funding has been allocated.

Funding for local authorities

The agriculture, interior and transport ministries said in a joint announcement on Friday that the funding aims to reduce fire risks and protect the environment and public health.

Responsibility for identifying and clearing illegal waste dumping sites generally lies with local governments. The new funding will be directed to local community service clusters and community councils, with priority given to areas facing increased wildfire risks.

Previous allocations

Under the #WasteFreeCyprus campaign, €1,001,550.65 was allocated for cleanup purposes in 2024, while €1,219,586.35 was allocated last year.

“The immediate removal of illegally dumped waste is a critical prerequisite for protecting the environment, public health, and preventing fires,” the ministries said.

Measures against illegal dumping

The government has identified illegal waste dumping as a major issue in recent years.

In February, lawmakers doubled the maximum fine for illegal dumping to €40,000. A new GPS system intended to track waste skip owners and discourage the disposal of debris in open areas was delayed in April but is scheduled to begin early next year.

The ministries said the latest funding further strengthens efforts to protect the natural environment and human life.