Filenews 24 February 2026 - by Angelos Nikolaou
Despite the steps forward and the institutionalization of expanded producer responsibility, our country continues to fight with European targets, especially in electrical appliances and air conditioners, where the numbers remain disappointing.
The most growing waste stream is electrical and electronic appliances. The data shows an oxymoron: Cypriot consumers bought 14.20 kg of equipment per person in 2023, but returned for recycling just 3.8 kg per person.
According to the Department of Environment, many devices are stored in homes or end up in illegal landfills. A serious problem is also the illegal dismantling by private individuals who remove the metals (scrap) for financial gain, with the result that the quantities are never shown in the official data.
The main reasons for the difference of new equipment on the market with the collected waste is the home storage of old devices (mobiles, tablets and laptops) or their illegal disposal in rivers, fields or their mixing with common garbage. For these reasons, Cyprus does not meet the EU target of collecting 65% of the average weight of devices placed on the market in the previous three years, since it stands at 40.6% in 2023.
In addition, the Department of Environment states that another factor leading Cyprus to low collection rates is the rapid growth in the real estate sector, with a typical example being the new towers in Limassol. The installation of a large number of new electrical and electronic appliances in these buildings means that these appliances will not be available as waste within three years, which further reduces the quantities of electrical appliances available for collection and makes it difficult to meet European targets.
A plan to incentivize citizens and obligations to installation technicians is being promoted, so that the devices are returned in their entirety to the WEEE Cyprus system.
In Cyprus, the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is mainly done through the collective system WEEE CYPRUS LTD, while there are also two individual systems (TEKLIMA and Lekmack). The WEEE system, until 2024, had 514 registered members, while the shareholders of the system were 25 companies. In Cyprus there are 14 licensed waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) management units. It is noted that an amending permit includes the waste stream of photovoltaic panels that falls under Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) of domestic and non-domestic origin.
Air conditioner collection rates remain extremely low, at just 1–2%, which creates a significant deviation from the European targets. The main reasons for the low collection rates of air conditioners are two: 1) The strong growth of the real estate sector in Cyprus and 2) loss of quantities due to dismantling and scrap delivery.
The management of old cars is entering a new era with the upcoming European Regulation that is expected during the Cyprus Presidency. The aim is to strengthen the circular economy, as the automotive industry consumes huge amounts of steel and aluminium. There are 15 licensed treatment plants operating in Cyprus. In 2023, 7,168 tons were managed, while in 2024 the quantity decreased to 4,575 tons. That is, about 4,000 vehicles are managed annually. The legislation mandates 85% reuse/recycling and 95% total recovery. When end-of-life vehicles are not properly managed, they can cause environmental problems and the European economy loses millions of tonnes of materials. Every year, more than 6,000,000 vehicles in Europe reach the end of the cycle.
6,000 bins nationwide for battery collection
In terms of batteries, Cyprus achieved a collection rate of 37.61% in 2023, remaining below the 45% target. AFIS Cyprus maintains over 6,000 bins nationwide, while the new EU target for 2027 rises to 65%. On the contrary, in vehicle batteries the success rate reaches 90%. By 2025, the AFIS Cyprus Collective System operates 6,135 special waste collection bins for portable batteries nationwide, in educational institutions (schools, tutoring centers, colleges, universities, etc.), government and other organizations, electrical goods and battery stores, supermarkets, department stores and banks, in which every citizen can dispose of from very small (button type batteries) to 2 kg batteries (portable computers, power tools, etc.). The bins are placed free of charge and after the interest of the organization.
Two collective systems (E4C and RTM) manage over 10,000 tons of tires per year, with the majority ending up for energy recovery at the Enerco plant. In 2023, 22 companies/importers were registered in the SS E4C LTD and 37 companies in the SS RTM Tyres Recycling Co respectively.
New waste stream: From medicines to... Balloons
The Department of the Environment is expanding the list of materials that must be specially managed. Programs for household pharmaceuticals (from 2024) and tobacco products with a filter (2025) are already in place.
Regulations are being prepared for agricultural plastics, furniture, carpets, mattresses, baby wipes, textiles, as well as balloons.
In order to make up for lost ground, the Department of Environment is launching:
• 50 Green Kiosks in mountainous and remote areas for separate collection of recyclables.
• 2 Reuse and Repair Centers.
• Network of second-hand stores in all cities.
• System for the collection and management of household hazardous waste.
The success of the program now depends on the cooperation of citizens and strict compliance with regulations by producers, so that recycling is not only a legal obligation, but a daily practice.
Household Pharmaceutical Waste Management
Citizens can dispose of their expired or unsuitable medicines free of charge in special bins placed in pharmacies. MediCylce is responsible for collecting waste from pharmacies and disposing of it in licensed waste treatment plants for incineration. At this stage, 499 special bins have already been installed in pharmacies throughout Cyprus.
Tobacco products with filter and filters
The Management Body was established under the name CPC RETHINK FILTERS LTD and the collective management system will be traded under the name REFILTERS.
The Management Body ensures the procurement and installation of special infrastructure, where, in cooperation with the ATAs, the points where special infrastructure will be installed are determined, in order to cover:
• At least 70% of all public parks and other public spaces on a nationwide basis.
• At least 80% of all organized beaches on a nationwide basis.
• At least 70% of all public events and festivals held on a nationwide basis, annually.
