Filenews 30 July 2025
The problem of illegal landfills in Cyprus remains extensive and difficult to solve, causing concern for both citizens' health and the natural environment, according to Environment Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou. As she told CNA, although efforts are being made to deal with it, they are not enough, and the cooperation of citizens, local authorities and the state is required.
Mrs. Theodosiou underlined that waste must be managed properly, in order to avoid uncontrolled dumping and the creation of fire outbreaks. As she said, the situation with illegal garbage dumps is timeless, with groundwater pollution, stench and aesthetic degradation, leading citizens to indignation and constant complaints to her Office.
She referred to a major campaign by the Department of the Environment for the removal of materials by the local authorities, acknowledging that, although steps have been taken, the situation remains extremely difficult.
In the context of complaints, she visited the Municipality of Kouri, where she found extensive illegal dumping of inert materials and garbage. As she said, this is accumulated waste of a decade, while she noted that the Mayor asked for financial support for its management. At the same time, even the legal garbage dump of Vatis is facing problems, with planned restoration in cooperation with the Department of the Environment.
The Commissioner stressed that her Office, with competence in the policy sector, is carrying out awareness-raising actions, targeting both citizens and local authorities, as well as the state, to solve the problem.
She also referred to the 1st Pediion River Sustainability Festival, which was held with the aim of highlighting solutions for waste disposal. She stressed that, although extensive cleaning was carried out with the participation of NGOs, communities and volunteers through Let's Do It Cyprus, the problem remains huge.
Mrs. Theodosiou explained that the Office's responsibilities include the mobilization of citizens and local government, as well as cooperation with the executive power. She underlined the positive response of the Department of the Environment to all requests for cooperation, stressing, however, that, despite the funding and actions, illegal garbage dumps still exist and are potential sources of fire.
Concluding, she pointed out that the problem with garbage is not limited to land areas, but also extends to coastal zones throughout the Mediterranean, pointing out the need for a systematic and multi-level response.
CNA
