Brief History
The plan for the “Development of a Green Points Network” for the collection of recyclable materials and special waste throughout Cyprus began in 2005, when the Solid Waste Management Sector of the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with all municipalities and communities of the Republic of Cyprus, conducted a preliminary selection of sites for the construction of Green Points.
In October 2008, the Ministry of Interior (Solid Waste Management Sector) announced a related competition (No. 4/2008) for the “Provision of consultancy services for the preparation of all necessary studies/documents for the development of a green points network across Cyprus and the supervision of construction works.” In June 2009, the relevant contract was signed with the contractor (E.P.E.M. A.E. – I.A.CO Ltd), with a start date of July 3, 2009.
As part of this contract, the researchers have developed and delivered (on September 4, 2009) to the Contracting Authority the draft of the Strategic Plan, for which on-site visits and evaluations of all proposed locations for the construction of Green Points were required, as well as new locations that were deemed suitable for the construction of Green Points.
The Strategic Plan was presented to representatives of the Local Government during workshops (on October 19 and 22, 2009). At this stage of the project, the “Environmental Impact Assessment Study (Law 102(I)/2005)” for the “Development of a Green Points Network” is being conducted. The “Contents of the Environmental Impact Assessment Study” were delivered to the Contracting Authority on October 7, 2009. The findings of this study, along with the observations and suggestions from the Relevant Authorities, will be taken into account during the finalization of the Strategic Plan, so that the project can proceed to the next stage of detailed planning and construction.
Objectives of the Green Points Development Plan
The general objective of the examined plan is the development of a nationwide network of collection points for recyclable materials and special waste. The goal of sustainable development and the requirements of European and Cypriot legislation and policy in the field of solid waste management have led the Republic of Cyprus to decide to create a Green Points Network.
In Paphos, green points are located in Peyia, Chrysochous, Agia Varvara, and Koloni.
The green points are expected to solve a significant problem in the country, which is the presence of numerous uncontrolled waste disposal sites where mainly recyclable materials and bulky items, which are not collected by traditional collection methods, end up. This plan will significantly improve the quality of life for local communities. As noted in the initial environmental study for the establishment of the green points network in Cyprus, their operation will contribute to a new approach regarding what is and what is not waste, reducing the ease of throwing away useful items and materials. At the same time, this policy will develop new standards of social behavior that favor recovery, recycling, waste reduction, and the reuse of recyclable materials.
