Free items from "Green Points" found for sale on online platforms in Cyprus

On two well-known online platforms, items ranging from furniture to books obtained for free at "Green Points" due to financial difficulties were spotted being offered for sale.

Those involved in this practice presented themselves as people in need of household goods they could not afford to buy. They regularly visited Green Points and collected necessary items for free, citing difficult financial circumstances.

Some offenders visited the same Green Point station up to twice a week, entered large containers, and took a variety of items and materials.

These cases prompted Green Points management to develop measures to prevent such abuse.

In Nicosia, two of the eight operating Green Points are specifically designated for distributing furniture and other items to citizens. However, restrictions have been introduced to prevent abuse—for example, cases where people took five or even six sofas under the pretext of need. These points are located in Malounta and Linou, and efforts are underway to better organize them, including creating designated distribution areas.

Authorities are also concerned about professional abuse: workers who are paid to remove construction waste, instead of sending it to licensed recycling facilities, deliver the material to Green Points to avoid transport costs and fees, especially when licensed sites are far away.

Some contractors also advise clients to transport waste themselves and deceive Green Points staff by claiming they performed the work and dismantled structures themselves to avoid paying fees to specialized facilities.

There are cases where elderly people fall victim to deception: during tree trimming or lawn mowing, contractors claim citizens must pay for transport to Green Points. Citizens do pay, but upon contacting Green Points, it turns out that no fees exist—the money remains with the professionals.

There is also concern about the potential danger of electrical items: some people remove compressors from refrigerators or metal components from air conditioners to sell them.

Regarding weight limits: shower cabins and toilets are accepted, but visitors cannot transport more than 100 kg per visit, and the total limit should not exceed one ton over six months. Despite this, some professionals attempt to remove 100 kg daily, gradually taking all material left after renovations.