Collection Systems in Cyprus 🇨🇾
About
Cyprus relies heavily on Green Points (centralised drop-off sites) combined with bag-based kerbside collection for packaging waste. Correct separation is essential, as many waste streams are explicitly excluded from regular household bins.
Collection Streams
Packaging Recycling (Green Dot Cyprus)
What goes in:
- PMD (Plastic / Metal / Drink Cartons): Packaging only, placed in transparent PMD bags
- Paper & Cardboard: Clean packaging only, placed in brown bags or bins
- Glass: Bottles and jars only, deposited in green bell-type glass bins
What does NOT go in:
- Non-packaging items (e.g. toys, plastic furniture, ceramics, mirrors)
- Non-packaging items are not accepted in packaging streams
Notes:
- Green Dot Cyprus manages packaging recycling
- Packaging must be separated by type: PMD, Paper & Cardboard, and Glass
Sources:
Residual Waste
What goes in:
- Everything not accepted in recycling streams
What does NOT go in:
- Batteries
- Electronics
- Hazardous waste
Notes:
- Many municipalities require official prepaid purple bags; other bags may not be collected
- Batteries, electronics, and hazardous waste are strictly prohibited from residual waste
Electrical & Electronic Waste (WEEE)
What goes in:
- Small and large electronics, lamps, and lighting equipment
- Must be taken to Green Points or approved WEEE collection sites
- Bulky WEEE may be returned to retailers when purchasing a replacement
What does NOT go in:
- Regular household bins
- Recycling bags
Notes:
- Batteries must always be removed and recycled separately
- WEEE must be taken to designated collection points
Portable Batteries
What goes in:
- All dry household batteries
What does NOT go in:
- Residual waste
- Recycling bags
Notes:
- Collected via AFIS battery recycling bins, commonly found in supermarkets, schools, banks, and public buildings
- Batteries must never go into residual waste or recycling bags
Sources:
Household Hazardous Waste
What goes in:
- Small quantities accepted at Green Points
- Includes paints, solvents, oils, chemicals, fluorescent lamps, and similar items
What does NOT go in:
- Medical waste and medicines are usually excluded
- Regular household bins
Notes:
- Accepted at Green Points
- Small quantities only
Textiles
What goes in:
- Clothing and shoes
- Must be clean, dry, and bagged
What does NOT go in:
- Heavily contaminated or wet textiles
Notes:
- Collected via purple textile banks
- Textiles must be clean, dry, and bagged
- Heavily contaminated or wet textiles are rejected
Garden & Green Waste
What goes in:
- Grass cuttings, leaves, branches, and trimmings
What does NOT go in:
- Food waste is not considered garden waste
Notes:
- Accepted at Green Points or designated green-waste collection points
- Food waste is not considered garden waste
Bulky Waste & DIY Waste
What goes in:
- Furniture, mattresses, carpets, and small DIY rubble accepted at Green Points
What does NOT go in:
- Large construction waste is not accepted
Notes:
- Accepted at Green Points
- Quantity limits typically apply (e.g. per six-month period)
- Large construction waste is not accepted
Bio-waste
What goes in:
- Kitchen food waste generally goes into residual waste, unless a municipality provides a dedicated system
What does NOT go in:
- Some Green Points explicitly do not accept food scraps
Notes:
- Kitchen food waste generally goes into residual waste, unless a municipality provides a dedicated system
- Some Green Points explicitly do not accept food scraps
- Check with local municipality for specific rules
Used Cooking Oil (Households)
What goes in:
- Used edible oils and fats at some Green Points
What does NOT go in:
- Oils must never be poured into drains or mixed with other waste
Notes:
- Some Green Points accept used edible oils and fats
- Oils must be kept separate and never poured into drains or mixed with other waste
- Acceptance varies by municipality
What Gets Collected
Accepted Items
- • Packaging materials (varies by stream)
- • Empty and clean containers
- • Material-specific items
Not Accepted
- • Non-packaging items
- • Contaminated materials
- • Hazardous containers with contents
Regional Variations
Collection systems in Cyprus may vary by municipality or region. Local sorting capabilities, collection infrastructure, and acceptance criteria can differ significantly even within the same country.
Sources
Collection system information is based on national and regional guidelines. For the most current and location-specific information, consult local waste management authorities.