TALA - REFUSE COLLECTIONS
It is hoped that the following will help explain the current situation.
Prior to the election in the summer of 2024, Tala was part of a group and this group used their power as a 'group' to purchase refuse collection services.
The existing agreement with
the refuse collection company for our village expired in October. Starting from
January 1, 2025, according to European Union commitments, the implementation of
household recycling (glass, plastic, organic waste) must begin, with the
ultimate goal of minimizing landfill waste.
Tala Council obtained an extension of the refuse collection agreement until the end of December 2024. They decided that they would not join the new 'complex' arrangement regarding refuse collection, and have purchased a refuse truck and employed staff to collect Tala's refuse.
Composting and recycling are a key part of
the European Union's commitment. Since 2010, the European Union has issued directives and
allocated funds to achieve full recycling. Unfortunately, very little progress
has been made in this area beyond the creation of two facilities and a modern
waste treatment plant in Larnaca and Pentakomo.
At present, all communities
in Paphos continue to dispose of their waste in an outdated unit [landfill site] that violates
EU directives. This facility is set to close soon.
Once the outdated facility
closes, waste will need to be transported to Limassol. This shift will
significantly increase costs:
- Entrance/deposit Fees: These
are expected to be three to four times higher than the current fees paid
at Marathounda.
- Transportation Costs:
Additional expenses for vehicles and drivers and increased time taken to collect and deposit refuse.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Due to the lack of proper composting and recycling as required by the EU,
households will face punitive fees.
Currently, it is proposed that the 'pay as you throw' system for refuse will be implemented in the Paphos area in 2026. Under this scheme, residents will have to purchase bags from their local Council in which to dispose of non-recyclable, non-compostable refuse. Anything not placed in official Council bags, will not be collected. How this will work for complexes and holiday accommodation has not been disclosed. The intention is that the scheme will save households money but there is concern, following early results in Nicosia, that the scheme will lead to widespread dumping as people fly tip rather than purchase bags. Time will tell.
For the refuse charge for 2025, no figure has been revealed yet by Tala Council. However, the Mayor of Paphos was complaining a few months ago that the closure of the landfill site in Paphos would result in increased refuse fees per household of €500+ per annum. Bear in mind that communities are charged depending on the volume of waste they take to the landfill sites - the more this quantity is reduced, then the lower the fee paid by homeowners.
Everyone is being asked to participate in the recycling programme.
1 Green Point, Chlorakas - you can deposit virtually anything here, free of charge - from old electrical items, to plastic furniture, wooden items, metal items, old paint, garden waste, etc, including glass. If you have items which you cannot physically take yourself, you can contact Andreas on 99 327262 or Tala Council. A collection fee depending on the size of the item[s] will be charged.
To reach the Green Point site, follow the main road from Tala down past Emba, across the new mini roundabout, to the T-junction. Turn left. Go past where there are traffic cones in the middle of the road, go through the traffic lights and take the next right by the tyre shop. Follow the road down to the junction, turn left and immediate right. Note when you come back out, if you turn left as you exit the site and follow the road, you will meet the main road but can only turn left at this point. If you wish to head towards Paphos, you will need to retrace your route to the tyre shop and then can turn right.
Consider also that if you have items in good condition, there are charity shops around the area who would welcome them. Some also offer a free collection service for unwanted furniture and larger items.
The Green Point is open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-1pm - times are for guidance. Sunday and Bank holidays closed.
2 Green Dot collect each Monday direct from your door: [leave outside Sunday evening]
- plastic and cans
- paper/cardboard
Items should be washed, with plastic and cans placed in a clear bag. Paper and cardboard should be placed in a black or brown bag, or you can flatten the items out and tie up with string, or place the items in a cardboard box. Items for Green Dot should be left outside your gate - not in your bin house if you have one - otherwise they risk being picked up with the general refuse and going into landfill!
3 Glass items are not collected at your door but should be placed in one of the green domed bins which you will see around the village, or the Paphos district.
