Recycling in Cyprus

Recycling in Cyprus

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Many of our guests wish to recycle during their stay. Curb side recycling is not possible but there are recycle points throughout Cyprus. 

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Recycling in Cyprus: A Quick Guide to Sustainable Living

As environmental awareness grows, Cyprus is making strides in recycling to protect its natural beauty. Here’s what you need to know to join in:

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With organizations like Green Dot Cyprus leading the way, recycling has become more accessible. Green Dot has set up collection points for plastics, glass, metal, and paper across major cities, making it easy for residents and visitors alike.

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What Can You Recycle?

• Plastics: Accepted items include plastic bottles, containers, and packaging materials.
• Paper and Cardboard: Newspapers, magazines, office paper, and cardboard boxes are recyclable.
• Glass: Glass bottles and jars are accepted, but items like mirrors and ceramics are not.
• Metals: Recycling aluminium cans, tin cans, and metal packaging are acceptable.
• Electronics and Batteries: Disposing of electronic devices and batteries at designated collection points to prevent environmental contamination.

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Where to Recycle

• Green Dot Bins: Found across urban areas
• Green Points: Municipal centres accepting large items and garden waste
• Supermarkets and Mobile Units: Accept specific items like batteries and light bulbs
• Door Collections: Currently some municipalities do offer collections with provision of color-coded bins

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The general color-coding system for recycling bins in Cyprus is as follows:

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• Blue Bins: For PMD (Plastic, Metal, and Drink cartons) materials. 
• Brown Bins: For paper and cardboard waste. 
• Green Bell-shaped Bins: For glass items. 
• Purple Bins: For textiles, including clothing and shoes

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Tips for Efficient Recycling

1. Rinse Containers to avoid contamination.
2. Sort by Material to streamline collection.
3. Flatten Boxes to save space.
4. Reuse and Reduce plastics where possible to cut down waste.

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Sustainability Initiatives

Cyprus is focused on meeting EU recycling goals through programs like “Pay-As-You-Throw,” educational campaigns, and frequent beach clean-ups. Tourists can also contribute by using local recycling facilities and avoiding single-use plastics.

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Future Goals for Cyprus

While challenges persist, Cyprus is committed to expanding recycling options and promoting a circular economy. Tourists play a crucial role in this effort by responsibly disposing of waste and supporting recycling initiatives during their stay. By making small, eco-friendly choices—such as using recycling bins, reducing single-use plastics, and participating in sustainability programs—visitors can contribute to preserving Cyprus’s stunning landscapes for future generations.

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Plastic-Free Beaches in Cyprus: A Sustainable Initiative

Cyprus is taking significant steps towards reducing plastic pollution with the introduction of Plastic Free Beaches. These designated beaches aim to minimize single-use plastics and promote sustainable tourism by engaging local businesses, visitors, and municipalities in eco-friendly practices.

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The initiative, led by organizations such as the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI) and the TUI Care Foundation, has seen the successful implementation of eight Plastic Free Beaches across the island. These beaches are equipped with refillable water stations, designated smoking areas, and informative signage to encourage environmentally responsible behaviour.

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Plastic-Free Beaches in Cyprus: Locations and Launch Dates

1. Ayia Triada Beach, Paralimni – Launched on August 4, 2021
2. Skoutaroi Beach, Paralimni – Launched on June 1, 2022
3. Yiannades Beach, Voroklini – Launched on March 20, 2023
4. Panagies Beach, Pyrgos, Limassol – Launched on March 21, 2023
5. Armonia Beach, Agios Tychonas, Limassol – Launched on September 16, 2023
6. Ayia Thekla Beach, Sotira, Famagusta – Launched on December 17, 2023
7. SODAP Beach, Pafos – Launched on May 23, 2024
8. Ammos tou Kambouri Beach, Agia Napa – Launched on May 24, 2024

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Collaboration: The Key to Success

For a Plastic Free Beach to be truly effective, collaboration between all stakeholders is essential. Municipalities, local businesses (such as cafés, restaurants, and hotels), and visitors must work together to ensure the sustainability of the initiative. For example, encouraging visitors to bring reusable cups is only effective if nearby cafés allow their use.

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Sustainable Facilities & Actions on Plastic-Free Beaches

Each Plastic Free Beach implements various initiatives to reduce plastic waste and raise awareness:

Mandatory Actions (M)

• Refillable Water Stations (M) – Providing free, filtered, and cold water to reduce the need for plastic bottles.
• Cigarette Waste Reduction (M) – Distributing reusable or paper ashtrays and creating designated smoking areas to prevent littering.
• Informative Artwork (M) – Installing art pieces made from collected plastic waste to raise awareness.
• Information Signs (M) – Educating visitors on plastic pollution and promoting eco-friendly habits.
• Business Engagement (M) – Hosting workshops for staff at nearby businesses to support the Plastic Free Beach initiative.
• Awareness Campaigns (M) – Organizing at least two annual beach clean-ups and awareness events to measure the impact of the initiative

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Additional Actions

♻ Reusable Bottles & Cups – Encouraging visitors to bring their own refillable bottles and cups, with nearby businesses offering discounts to those who do.

♻ Reusable Takeaway Boxes – Implementing deposit-based takeaway containers that can be returned for reuse.

♻ Plastic-Free Straws – Encouraging guests to avoid single-use plastic straws or opt for sustainable alternatives.

♻ Plastic-Free Beach Toys – Installing collection points for abandoned plastic toys to be reused by other children.

♻ Educational Kids’ Activities – Hosting environmental workshops and interactive sessions to teach children about reducing plastic waste.

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The Future of Plastic-Free Beaches in Cyprus

With more beaches adopting sustainable practices, Cyprus is making significant progress towards a plastic-free future. These initiatives not only protect the environment but also promote responsible tourism, ensuring that the island’s breath-taking coastline remains pristine for generations to come.

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Visitors and businesses alike are encouraged to take part in this movement by reducing plastic consumption, supporting local eco-initiatives, and spreading awareness about the importance of keeping Cyprus’s beaches plastic-free.

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Every effort counts in protecting Cyprus’s vibrant landscapes and coastlines!