The implementation of separate collection of organic waste in Cyprus represents one of the most decisive steps toward modernising the country’s waste management system. Although, since 2024, Local Authorities have had a legal obligation to introduce separate collection of food waste — as this constitutes an obligation for EU Member States — the process was delayed, mainly due to the parallel reform of Local Government. Today, however, with studies on the implementation of the “Pay-As-You-Throw” (PAYT) system and the relevant action plans having progressed in most Local Authorities, the discussion is shifting from whether this will be implemented to how it will be implemented effectively.
Organic waste constitutes the largest fraction of mixed municipal waste. When landfilled, it produces significant quantities of methane, a greenhouse gas with a far greater impact than carbon dioxide, while also contributing to the formation of leachate that pollutes soil and groundwater. At the same time, its presence in mixed waste bins degrades the quality of recyclable materials, increases treatment costs, and heightens the risk of European penalties. Without substantial diversion of organics, the overall performance of the recycling system remains structurally limited, given that roughly half of mixed municipal waste in Cyprus is organic.
The success of separate organic waste collection is not primarily a matter of equipment but of the quality of source separation. Experience from other countries shows that the cleanliness of the stream determines whether the material can be used for compost or biogas production. Contamination with plastics, conventional bags, liquids, or other unsuitable materials leads to technical problems, higher costs, and ultimately loss of credibility of the system. Poor separation at source and insufficient control during collection often result in collected materials being sent back to landfill due to the inability to manage them. Clear and simple guidance to citizens, appropriate equipment at household and business level, and systematic technical support and control — especially for large producers, where a significant share of food waste is generated — are therefore essential.
Within this context, the gradual start of separate collection from large producers — hotels, catering establishments, supermarkets, hospitals — currently under consideration, is technically sound. Waste streams from large producers are more homogeneous, quantities are significant, and control is easier. At the same time, a critical mass of material is created that justifies investments in treatment and allows operational experience to be gained before extending the system to households. However, care must be taken to ensure that this first phase does not become an excuse to delay programmes for households. It should serve as preparation, a period for solving collection and control issues, and a precursor to activating household collection within a short timeframe.
A decisive role in this transition is played by the “Pay-As-You-Throw” (PAYT) system. Charging based on the quantity of mixed waste changes user behaviour, as reducing residual waste translates directly into financial benefit. International experience shows that PAYT increases source separation rates, reduces mixed waste generation, and improves the quality of separate streams. Without economic incentives, participation often remains limited, and systems rely excessively on citizens’ goodwill. Indeed, from the first implementation of PAYT in a municipality in Nicosia, significant increases in source separation and public participation in packaging recycling programmes were observed.
At the same time, the issue of infrastructure cannot be ignored. Cyprus does not yet have a sufficient network of composting and anaerobic digestion facilities to absorb the expected quantities of organic waste. However, the absence of a fully developed network should not lead to further delays. Existing facilities can be utilised, partnerships with private biogas plants can be developed, and public investments can proceed in parallel under a clear timetable. The key is to ensure that collection is linked to real treatment and recovery, rather than simply shifting the problem elsewhere.
The management of organic waste is directly linked to climate goals, soil protection, reduced dependence on landfilling, and the transition to a circular economy. Organics are not merely “waste” but a resource, a source of energy, and a soil improver. Their diversion from landfill is perhaps the single most important intervention for improving the environmental performance of the waste sector. It is also essential for approaching and gradually achieving EU diversion targets, which require 90% of waste to be diverted from landfill by 2035. Without adequately addressing the diversion of organic waste — which constitutes approximately half of our waste — such a target cannot even be approached.
The current situation, with institutional changes largely completed and technical tools studied, offers the opportunity for a more mature and systematic implementation. The challenge is no longer institutional but operational: proper source separation, economic incentives through PAYT, and rapid development of the necessary infrastructure. The combination of these elements will determine whether Cyprus can substantially reduce landfilling of organic and other waste streams and align with European requirements not only formally but in substance.
