Filenews 14 April 2025
The cessation of the collection of recyclable materials in the Nicosia district has caused a disturbance, while in Limassol and Paphos, the cooperation between Green Dot and Barracuda Intertrade Ltd seems to have been interrupted, creating significant gaps in the recycling chain. The problem in areas of Nicosia, in fact, seems to have been a reality for three weeks now, with citizens complaining that even when the collection takes place, all recyclables end up in the same bin, without distinguishing paper from plastic.
The complaints of the citizens led the Municipality of Nicosia to proceed with an official announcement informing the public that it is aware of the problem that has arisen with the non-collection of recyclable materials by the private company Green Dot. As it is emphasized, relevant actions and recommendations have already been made to the company itself and to the competent Ministry. The municipality calls on affected citizens to contact Green Dot directly for any relevant information or complaint. At the same time, it is possible to record complaints through the municipality's digital platform, which are sent directly to the company.
In response, Green Dot, following a question from "F", confirmed that in the last two to three weeks there have been failures in the collection of PMD materials and paper in areas of the new Nicosia Municipality. As noted, the company immediately proceeded to the required actions, within the framework of the contract it has signed with the contractor, who is responsible for the execution of the collection.
As if the problems were not enough for the Nicosia Municipality, after the termination of the agreement between Green Dot and Barracuda for the sorting and processing of recyclable materials collected from the Limassol and Paphos districts, the company was forced to find temporary solutions for the management of these materials. Despite the efforts, the materials collected from the households of these two provinces continue to be properly managed according to the Green Dot, while the paper still ends up in the Barracuda.
This change concerns recyclable packaging in the PMD category, which includes plastic bottles, containers and bags, metal packaging (aluminium and tinplate), as well as Tetra Pak beverage packaging. These materials now follow a different processing path, with part of them being exported temporarily, while the rest is transferred to Enerco for energy recovery.
In relation to Limassol and Paphos, Green Dot clarified to "F" that the PMD materials sent to the company Energo are used for energy recovery in accordance with the provided environmental standards. At the same time, it points out that it is waiting for the planning permit for the construction of its own treatment plant, which is expected to be put into operation within 2026 in Nicosia to cover all the needs of the collective recycling management system.
According to the Department of the Environment, the problem is also related to the absence of alternative licensed infrastructure. As noted, the only unit that currently has the required license for the management of PMD packaging is Barracuda Intertrade Ltd, which serves Limassol and Paphos. However, the capacity of this unit is not sufficient to cover the needs of the other provinces.
After the definitive divorce of Green Dot and Barracuda, the company proposed as a temporary solution the installation of pre-sorting equipment at the Koshi OEDA Unit.
It is necessary to note that, according to information, the Department of the Environment (IT) has announced that it is no longer acceptable to dispose of recyclable materials from the districts of Limassol and Paphos to the OEDA of Kosi, where the recyclables of the remaining districts of Nicosia, Larnaca and Famagusta end up. Green Dot is immediately called upon to look for alternatives for the management of these materials.
Despite the problems, according to information from Green Dot, the collection of recyclable materials from households in the districts of Limassol and Paphos continues normally. Green Dot has ensured that the collection process is not interrupted, which offers a temporary solution until long-term solutions are found for the processing and disposal of the materials.
The next step for Green Dot is crucial, as it is called upon to find solutions for the management of recyclable materials and ensure compliance with European and national standards for waste management, before the situation leads to more problems for citizens and the Cypriot economy.
Pending the outcome of this process, all stakeholders are closely monitoring the evolution of the situation, as the management of recyclable materials is an important aspect of the circular economy and sustainable development in the country.
Barracuda: Shutdown of the KDAI
Barracuda, the company that has been managing recyclables since 1992, issued a statement, saying that, despite continuous efforts to renew the partnership with Green Dot for a year and a half, it was not possible to reach an agreement. The company announced that the Recyclable Materials Sorting Center (CCP) for household waste will cease its operation after 19 years of continuous service to citizens.
Barracuda's announcement notes that PMD recyclable materials, which are separated by citizens in the districts of Limassol and Paphos, will no longer end up in a legal sorting and processing unit. Instead, these materials will be sent to landfill or incineration, a development that is expected to cause concern among citizens while paving the way for potential impacts, such as a €111 million refund from the European Union, which funds circular economy programs.
In addition, Barracuda points to the possible reduction of about 18 jobs due to the interruption of the activity of the KDAI. However, the company will continue to be active in the field of waste management, with the continuation of waste collection and management services from commercial premises and government agencies.
Barracuda expressed its gratitude to the citizens for their support and trust and pledged to continue the effort to achieve sustainable waste management in Cyprus.
