Fly-tipping has become a pressing issue in Cyprus, leading to the House passing a new law to impose stiffer fines on offenders. The legislation, which amends the Waste Law, was approved on Thursday with 29 votes in favour and only four against.
Fly-tipping: Increased Penalties for Illegal Dumping
Under the new law, the out-of-court fine issued by inspectors will increase from €4,000 to €8,000. Additionally, the maximum fine that can be imposed by a chief inspector will rise from €20,000 to €40,000. Despite these significant hikes, concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of these measures due to inadequate enforcement.
Concerns from Lawmakers
During the parliamentary discussions, Akel MP Nikos Kettiros expressed frustration over the presence of approximately 800 illegal landfills scattered across the island. He highlighted that simply raising fines without proper enforcement mechanisms would be futile. Kettiros pointed out that the management of demolition debris has fallen into the hands of organised crime, with inspectors often feeling intimidated to act.
Real Threats to Inspectors
The issue of safety for inspectors was echoed by Greens’ MP Stavros Papadouris, who recounted a troubling incident where an inspector faced threats from mobsters while attempting to address fly-tipping. Such fears contribute to the lax enforcement of existing laws, leaving illegal dump sites largely unchecked.
The Waste Management Crisis
Charalambos Theopemptou, another MP, described the mismanagement of waste as one of the most significant challenges facing Cyprus. He condemned the existence of small landfills even within city limits, labelling it “shameful.” The situation raises urgent questions about the effectiveness of the government’s approach to waste management.
Calls for Action
Independent MP Alexandra Attalidou did not hold back in criticising the government for its inaction regarding illegal dumping sites. She urged authorities to commit to cleaning up these areas by summer, emphasising the need for immediate action to address the growing problem.
Link Between Illegal Dumps and Fires
Akel’s Aristos Damianou brought attention to the dangerous consequences of illegal landfills, noting their role as a primary source of fires. While he acknowledged that increased fines could contribute to deterrence, he insisted that they alone are insufficient. Damianou stressed the importance of fostering education and changing public attitudes towards waste disposal.
Extent of the Problem
A recent survey conducted for 2024-2025 identified 820 illegal and uncontrolled rubbish tips across Cyprus. This alarming figure underscores the scale of the issue and the urgent need for effective enforcement strategies.
Government Resources Lacking
In a parliamentary meeting held in September, the former director of the Department of the Environment admitted the significant lack of controls in the waste management sector. He revealed that the department does not have enough staff to monitor illegal dumping continuously, highlighting a crucial barrier to effective enforcement.
