Filenews 3 September 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
The Parliamentary Committee on the Environment today opens the dossier on the management of Excavation, Construction and Demolition Waste (ECSC). The session is awaited with particular interest, as the question is now clearly posed before the MPs whether environmental compliance and strict supervision will be supported or concessions will be made to serve economic pressures.
The session focused on the existing Regulations (K.D.P. 112/2023) and the proposal for their possible amendment. The issue "the problems arising from the implementation of the Solid and Hazardous Waste Regulations" is discussed ex officio, following a relevant letter from the Cyprus Association of SKIP Owners, with requests that cause reactions.
The Pancyprian Association of Excavation, Construction, Demolition and Pruning Waste Managers, in a memorandum to the Commission, categorically emphasizes that the Regulations must not only be maintained but strengthened. It characterizes the relevant regulations and in particular the obligation to cooperate with licensed management units as the "core of legality and transparency", crucial for the prevention of uncontrolled waste disposal and the achievement of European recycling targets.
The association warns that any weakening of the Regulations will mean a setback, a strengthening of illegality and a loss of traceability in the management of ECECs. Particular concern is also expressed about the operation of illegal infrastructures and trans-shipment squares, for which immediate closure and strict supervision are requested. "Its removal or weakening will lead to a setback with mathematical precision: Uncontrolled dumping, environmental degradation, loss of trust in the institutions and failure to achieve the EU's goals," the association says. At the same time, it underlines that environmental responsibility cannot be circumvented, the simplification of the framework can be discussed, but not the essence of the obligation, any attempt at relaxation will serve those who benefit from illegality and not the public interest. "Instead of any thought of relaxing or repealing these Regulations, we believe that the main concern of all of us should be the full and universal implementation of the Regulations, with the necessary supervision and enforcement of legality. Any retreat or deviation from the existing framework will send the wrong messages and will risk undoing what has been laboriously achieved in recent years towards the rational management of the ECSC," he points out.
The Pancyprian Association of Excavation, Construction, Demolition and Pruning Waste Managers expresses strong concern about the existence of illegal squares and waste transfer points. Any "legalization" of them, he adds, will be a catastrophic development, because:
A. Traceability will be completely lost.
B. The operation of the licensed units will be undermined.
C. Conditions of unfair competition will be created.
On the contrary, he notes, immediate measures are needed to shut down their operation and strengthen the legal infrastructure.
The Regulations K.D.P. 112/2023 are an essential tool for:
1. The fight against illegal dumping.
2. The protection of the environment and public health.
3. The enhancement of transparency and traceability in the management of AKCs.
4. The harmonization of Cyprus with the European recycling obligations.
OAS: No changes are needed – Implementation is needed
A similar stance is adopted by the Cyprus Recycling Organization (OAS), which participates in the meeting by submitting a harsh but documented criticism of the long-term delay in the implementation of the Legislation. As he notes, 23 years have passed since its adoption and it still remains inadequately implemented.
The OAS points out that existing legislation is an adequate tool for environmental management and that any attempt to change it serves specific interests, political and economic, and not the public or environmental interest.
On the contrary, the Organization recommends: Immediate start of systematic on-site inspections on construction sites, activation of the staff of the Department of the Environment or external auditors, strict supervision for contractors' compliance with the provisions of the legislation.
In addition, the OAS recalls its own efforts for full harmonization with the legal framework, as well as the training of hundreds of producers, foremen and designers.
Furthermore, it proposes the promotion of processes for the adoption of Cypriot standards for the mandatory use of recyclable materials in the construction industry, promotion for the inclusion of the provisions of the legislation on construction waste (through the Accountant General and the members of ETEK), both for the offers of public projects and private sector projects.
"The industry is affected", say the owners of SKIP
On the other hand, the Pancyprian Association of Owners of SKIP (Association of Container Owners for Private Supply) expresses its disagreement with the promoted regulations.
In a letter to the Parliament, the association speaks of unilateral regulations that affect the sector, undermine the principle of the free market and strengthen the creation of monopoly situations.
The SKIP Association calls for the possibility of concluding free agreements between contractors and management units, without the mandatory employment of a person in the sector by the units. In fact, it states that the regulations lead to the "substantial dissolution of an entire professional sector with immediate and incalculable consequences for hundreds of workers and their families".
Environment Department: Open for dialogue, but not for relaxation
The position of the Department of the Environment, which, despite its willingness for dialogue, makes it clear that it does not intend to accept relaxations of the existing regulations, remains firm in its commitment to the implementation of the current waste management framework, and in particular Waste from Excavation, Construction and Demolition (ECSC).
According to official information, the Department is willing to consider proposals to amend the relevant Regulations only if these are documented and aim to improve the implementation of the system and not to weaken it. Suggestions for the suspension or abolition of basic provisions, such as the obligation to cooperate with licensed management units, are categorically rejected.
The relevant Regulations came into force on 13 April 2023 (K.D.P. 112/2023) and are part of the overall effort for the rational management of ECECs. In this context, the Department of the Environment has proceeded with nationwide control campaigns throughout the management chain, with the aim of combating illegal dumping. For 2025, out-of-court settlements with a total value of about 100,000 euros have already been issued, while the audits are ongoing.
Emphasis is also placed on the safeguarding of the profession of waste collectors/transporters, a constant request of the bodies involved. The Department has proceeded to consultations with the Department of Road Transport and the Association of SKIP Owners, with the aim of formulating a regulation within 2025.
As far as ECMC management units are concerned, the Department of Environment actively supports the development of new units, in order to enhance competition and offer more options in the market. In this context, the utilization of former Uncontrolled Waste Disposal Sites (Landfills) for the creation of suitable facilities is being examined.
At the same time, controls on illegal landfills are intensified, with the Department underlining the role of local authorities in preventing and suppressing the phenomenon. In addition, it supports the expansion of the Green Points network in communities, as well as the expansion of acceptable waste.
