Cyprus (CY)

Cyprus is a Mediterranean island nation and EU member state situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa.

Capital: Nicosia

Region: Europe

Language: Greek

Currency: EUR (€)

Cost of living: Moderate (index 62)

Emergency: 112

Recycling & Waste in Cyprus

Bin system, bottle deposits, special disposal, and common mistakes.

Cyprus has significantly improved its recycling and waste management infrastructure since joining the EU, but recycling rates remain below the EU average. The 'Green Dot' (Πράσινο Σημείο) system is the main recycling infrastructure for packaging waste. Municipal collection services vary by district. Awareness and compliance are growing.

The Bin System

Green/Yellow Recycling Bin

Blue or green (varies by municipality)

Μπλε/Πράσινος Κάδος Ανακύκλωσης

Accepts

✓Paper and cardboard (newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes)
✓Plastic bottles and containers
✓Metal tins and cans
✓Cartons (tetra pak)
✓Clean plastic packaging

Not accepted

✗Food waste
✗Dirty or greasy packaging (rinse before recycling)
✗Styrofoam
✗Glass (separate collection point)
✗Textiles

General Waste Bin

Grey or black

Γκρι Κάδος (Μη Ανακυκλώσιμα)

Accepts

✓Non-recyclable packaging
✓Food scraps and food-contaminated materials
✓Hygiene products (nappies, sanitary items)
✓Ceramics and porcelain
✓Mixed materials that cannot be separated

Not accepted

✗Recyclable materials (should go in the blue/green bin)
✗Hazardous waste (chemicals, batteries)
✗Garden waste (separate collection in some areas)
✗Large items

Glass Collection Point

Red (in most areas) or separate glass igloos

Κόκκινος Κάδος Γυαλιού

Accepts

✓Glass bottles (clear, green, brown)
✓Glass jars and containers

Not accepted

✗Broken window glass or mirror glass
✗Pyrex cookware
✗Light bulbs
✗Ceramics

Organic Waste Bin

Brown

Καφέ Κάδος Οργανικών

Accepts

✓Food scraps and peelings
✓Coffee grounds and tea bags
✓Garden clippings (small quantities)
✓Paper napkins and kitchen roll

Not accepted

✗Meat and fish (in some areas)
✗Dairy products (in some areas)
✗Plastic bags

Green Dot Cyprus (Πράσινο Σημείο) — Bottle Deposit System

Cyprus operates the Green Dot packaging waste recovery scheme. Packaging materials (plastic, paper, metal, glass) are collected through designated bins and take-back points. No cash deposit/return system exists in Cyprus.

Deposit Amounts

No financial deposit on bottles. Recycling is done through the collection bin system only.

How to Return

Place clean, dry packaging in the designated recycling bins or use collection points at supermarkets (available at some Alphamega, Carrefour, Lidl locations).

Special Disposal

Electronic Waste (WEEE)

Collection points at large retailers (MediaMarkt, Power City, Euronics). Drop-off at municipal waste centres (Πράσινα Σημεία — "Green Points").

Retailers accepting WEEE include MediaMarkt and major electronics stores. Never dispose of electronics in general waste.

Batteries

Collection bins at supermarkets, pharmacies, and electronics stores.

Single-use and rechargeable batteries must be recycled, not landfilled.

Medicines / Pharmaceuticals

Return to any pharmacy (Φαρμακείο). Pharmacies are obligated to accept expired medicines.

Never flush medicines down the toilet or put them in general waste.

Motor Oil and Lubricants

Return to petrol station or motor oil dealer. Municipal hazardous waste collection days.

Oil contamination is a serious environmental issue. Disposal in general waste or drains is illegal.

Large Appliances / White Goods

Retailers must take back old appliances when delivering new ones (EU law). Municipal bulk waste collection.

Contact your municipality for scheduled bulk waste collection dates.

Tyres

Return to tyre dealer or garage. Cyprus has a mandatory take-back scheme.

Tyre dumping is illegal and subject to fines.

Garden and Green Waste

Municipal green waste collection (check your municipality schedule). Composting at home.

Some municipalities provide free composting bins.

Bulk Waste

Contact your local municipality (Δήμος) for bulk waste (furniture, mattresses, large items) collection appointments. Some municipalities provide this service free; others charge a small fee. Do not leave large items on the street without arranging collection — fines apply.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

! Putting dirty or food-contaminated packaging in the recycling bin — rinse before recycling
! Putting glass in the blue/green recycling bin — glass has a separate collection
! Recycling Styrofoam polystyrene — this goes in general waste
! Disposing of batteries or small electronics in general waste
! Leaving bulk items on the street without a municipal collection appointment

Fines & Enforcement

Illegal dumping in Cyprus: fines up to €2,000 per offence for individuals. Corporate illegal dumping: up to €50,000. Environmental offences are taken increasingly seriously.

Practical Tips

→ Check your municipality's waste calendar for general and bulk waste collection days — each municipality has slightly different schedules.
→ "Πράσινο Σημείο" (Green Points) exist in most towns — comprehensive recycling centres where you can drop off almost anything.
→ Rinse food containers before recycling — contaminated packaging degrades the whole recycling load.
→ Many supermarket car parks have glass igloos and plastic bottle collection points.
→ In hot weather, take organic waste out daily to avoid smells and pests.