Waste management in Cyprus: an alarming signal from the auditor

The Auditor General of Cyprus, Odysseas Michaelides, issued strong criticism of the country’s long-standing waste management policy, stating that Cyprus continues to rely on landfills rather than sustainable solutions. According to him, the situation with waste disposal sites is not a temporary failure but the result of systemic mistakes and a lack of strategic planning over many years.

The auditor noted that despite regular warnings and reports, real steps to reduce landfilling, develop recycling, and introduce modern technologies are being taken far too slowly. As a result, Cyprus risks facing not only environmental but also serious financial consequences, including EU fines for non-compliance with directives.

Of particular concern is the fact that new waste management facilities are either delayed or not operating at full capacity, while landfills continue to overflow. Michaelides stressed that without a change in approach and political will, the problem will only worsen.