Costas Constantinou tells “Entrepreneurial Limassol”: Fixed fee and variable charges based on mixed waste generation – €62 million for the partial upgrade of the Pentakomo Integrated Waste Management Facility, with works expected to begin in 2027. The first visible results of the gradual implementation of an integrated waste management system in the Limassol district are expected from 2028. The system will combine the “Pay As You Throw” (PAYT) scheme, waste separation at source, separate waste collection and the upgrading of the Pentakomo Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF).
This assessment was presented to “Entrepreneurial Limassol” by Dr Costas A. Constantinou, Director General of the Directorate-General for the Environment at the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, who clarified, however, that it is not yet possible to determine a specific date for the full operation of the new system. As he explains, the plan includes, in addition to the “Pay As You Throw” scheme, strengthening waste separation at source, developing and upgrading Green Points, promoting Green Kiosks and other collection points, as well as initiatives encouraging the reuse and repair of products. At the same time, the Pentakomo facility will continue to serve as a key infrastructure for managing residual mixed waste.
Of particular interest to Limassol's business community is the pricing policy currently being developed for the “Pay As You Throw” scheme. According to Mr Constantinou, this policy is at an advanced stage of preparation, in consultation with the Ministry of Interior and the Unions of Municipalities and Communities. The proposed system provides for two main components: a fixed fee to cover part of the cost of the services provided and a variable charge linked to the use of waste containers, whether through prepaid bags or bins.
Under this approach, part of the financial burden will depend on the quantity of mixed waste disposed of by each user, creating financial incentives to reduce waste generation and increase recycling. The Director General for the Environment points out that the financial impact will vary according to the nature and characteristics of each business. Hotels, restaurants, retail shops and service providers, for example, have different waste management requirements.
Consequently, businesses that reduce the amount of mixed waste they generate through proper waste separation and recycling will be able to lower the variable component of their charges.
Mr Constantinou nevertheless makes it clear that proper waste management inevitably involves costs associated with collection, transportation, treatment and final disposal, which cannot be eliminated. The objective is to establish a fairer system under which each business can influence part of its financial burden by adapting its waste management practices.
Regarding the connection between the “Pay As You Throw” scheme and the operation of the Pentakomo facility, Mr Constantinou clarifies that implementation of the new system does not necessarily depend on the completion of all upgrading works at the facility. As he explains, recyclable and organic waste separated at source can be directed to appropriately licensed treatment and recovery facilities, including privately operated plants. Existing integrated waste management facilities will continue to primarily handle residual mixed waste.
He stresses, however, that the new charging system will not be introduced before the necessary operational conditions are in place. This means that residents and businesses must have access to practical waste separation and separate collection services, as well as reliable options for the subsequent management of their waste, before the new charges are introduced. Regarding the implementation timetable for the “Pay As You Throw” scheme, Mr Constantinou states that consultations with local authorities have intensified and substantial progress has been made in preparations. Implementation is planned to take place gradually, although no specific starting date has yet been determined.
With regard to the Pentakomo Integrated Waste Management Facility, the Director General for the Environment reports that its operational condition has improved significantly in recent months, following interventions involving mechanical equipment and operating procedures. Nevertheless, certain infrastructure still requires maintenance, repairs and upgrading. To address these needs, a programme of works is being promoted, with an estimated capital cost of €62 million, including VAT.
The relevant Feasibility Study has recently been approved by the Ministry of Finance. It provides for the rehabilitation of the first and second phases of the landfill site, the construction of a third phase, and the development of infrastructure for the collection and management of biogas. The programme also includes repairs to the mechanical sorting unit, upgrading of the biological treatment of leachate and other liquid waste, and construction of a unit for stabilising the organic fraction of waste.
The Water Development Department is in the final stages of preparing an open public tender, which is expected to be announced during the first quarter of 2027. The objective is to sign the contract and commence works during the second half of the same year, with an estimated construction period of 30 months. The various components of the project will be delivered progressively, depending on the progress of the works.
Among the priorities is the repair of the Biological Leachate Treatment Plant, which has been a longstanding demand of neighbouring communities. Mr Constantinou clarifies that the €62 million investment concerns the partial upgrading of the Pentakomo facility and is intended to address its immediate and medium-term needs. The long-term solution will be determined within the framework of the nationwide plan for developing waste treatment infrastructure for the period 2029–2035, based on a Feasibility Study currently being prepared by the Department of Environment.
He also notes that the interim upgrading works have been selected to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, compatibility with future plans and to safeguard the long-term value of the investment. For Limassol, the key priority now is to ensure effective coordination between infrastructure upgrades and the implementation of the “Pay As You Throw” scheme, so that the new waste management policy is supported by fully operational services, meaningful recycling incentives and a fairer charging system for both residents and businesses.
