Total waste generation

Total waste generation per capita decreased by 13% between 2010 and 2020, largely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Cypriot financial crisis. The generation of municipal waste remains high, however, and the level of municipal waste per capita per year is well above the EU average. In 2022, total municipal waste production reached 614 620 t, with production per capita at 673 kg/year. Of the total municipal waste generated, approximately 15% was recycled, while 59% was landfilled.

Several measures are currently being implemented, as set out in the municipal waste management plan for 2022–2028, and are expected to contribute significantly to the reduction of waste generation and the increase of recycling and reuse rates. The implementation of a nationwide system for the separate collection of municipal waste by the end of 2025, in combination with a pay-as-you-throw scheme, will also provide the necessary financial incentives for citizens. At the same time, several waste management projects are currently being implemented under the Cohesion Fund and the recovery and resilience plan, coordinated through the LIFE-IP CY Zero Waste project, with a total budget of approximately EUR 15 million.