How do I dispose of waste and recycle in Cyprus?
It depends: doing it right means using the municipality and Green Dot. Household waste is governed by Law 185(I)/2011. Recyclables are collected through the Green Dot Cyprus system: PMD (plastic, metal, drink cartons), paper/cardboard and glass. PMD and paper are collected door-to-door weekly in transparent (PMD) and brown (paper) bags. There are 20+ Green Points across the island. Illegal dumping (fly-tipping) is an offence. In short: yes, with source separation and use of Green Dot.
📋 The rules
- Managed under Law 185(I)/2011
- Recycle via Green Dot: PMD, paper, glass
- PMD/paper door-to-door weekly (transparent/brown bags)
- 20+ Green Points across the island
- Illegal dumping: an offence
🔓 Exceptions
- Collection schedules vary by municipality
- Bulky waste/rubble: special arrangement or Green Point
- Enforcement is acknowledged to be weak
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The out-of-court fine for fly-tipping was raised from €4,000 to €8,000 (2026 law strengthening penalties), with possible prosecution. Specific municipal littering fines vary by municipality and couldn't be confirmed here. Beware a myth: "recyclables can all go together in one bag" is false — PMD, paper and glass are separated. Note: Cyprus has been criticised by the Commission over illegal dumps and faces possible EU fines. Tip: use the right bags (transparent for PMD, brown for paper) and the Green Points.
📎 Official sources
- Cyprus Mail · stiffer fly-tipping fines →
- Green Dot Cyprus · PMD & paper collection →
- FAO FAOLEX · Cyprus Waste Law 185(I)/2011 →
❓ Frequently asked
How do I recycle in Cyprus?
Through the Green Dot system, which separates recyclables into three streams: PMD, that is plastic, metal and drink cartons, paper and cardboard, and glass. PMD and paper are collected door-to-door weekly in special bags, while glass goes to recycling points.
Which bags do I use?
PMD goes in transparent bags and paper in brown bags, collected door-to-door once a week. Glass and other materials can go to the Green Points and recycling banks operating across the island. Check your municipality for the exact local schedule.
What's the fine for illegal dumping?
The out-of-court fine for fly-tipping was raised from €4,000 to €8,000, under a 2026 law strengthening penalties, with the possibility of prosecution. Even so, enforcement is acknowledged to be weak in practice, partly due to staffing limits.
Where do I dispose of bulky items and rubble?
Bulky items and rubble don't go in the ordinary bins or recycling bags. You should take them to a Green Point or arrange a special collection with your municipality. Schedules and rules vary by municipality, so check your local arrangements.
Can I put all recyclables together?
No. PMD, paper and glass must be separated at source, into the correct bags or bins. Incorrect separation lowers recycling quality, and Cyprus has already been criticised by the European Commission for poor waste separation and illegal dumping.
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