Cyprus Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou emphasized today the significant importance of separate collection and management of hazardous waste for both the environment and citizens’ quality of life.
Addressing an event at the Olympic Palace for the closing and presentation of the results of the “Separate Collection and Management of Household Hazardous Waste” project, the Minister initially stated that events like today’s underscore the vital significance of waste management and underscore the importance of separate collection of hazardous household waste.
Simultaneously, she said, they highlight the necessity for creating a new philosophy and culture in public opinion regarding waste management, which, although challenging, paves the way for a better, sustainable future.
Panayiotou stated that waste is not just rubbish destined for landfills but rather natural resources that, if properly recovered and recycled, can be turned into raw materials.
She emphasized that on the other hand, hazardous waste such as chemicals, electronics, batteries, and pharmaceutical products pose serious risks and in one way or another return to our ecosystem, having disrupted the natural balance, poisoned wildlife, and affected our quality of life.
“So, whatever we throw on the ground, dear friends, comes back to us. That is why projects like the ‘Separate Collection and Management of Household Hazardous Waste’ are essential for informing and sensitizing the public, constituting the first step towards achieving the goal of a transition to Green Development and Circular Economy,” she said.
Panayiotou highlighted that within the framework of the project, four towed mobile units were constructed, which served as mobile collectors and information units, visiting 135 local authorities, namely 91 Communities and 44 Municipalities. This was achieved, she said, within a period of five months, starting from last October.
She added that the number of municipal schools and secondary schools visited by each unit is significant.
Panayiotou emphasized that the aim, with the completion of the project, is for this effort to continue with national or other resources.
“This will be achieved through visits by the existing four mobile units to Municipalities and Communities, while our goal is to proceed with the increase of units, mobile and fixed, for even more results. Additionally, the new collective system for the extended producer responsibility for household pharmaceutical waste is expected to be licensed,” she said.
At another point, Panayiotou stressed that the contribution of Local Authorities is essential, and the role of Municipalities and Communities is significant, both in terms of informing and sensitizing the local community and in the proper implementation of the legislative framework for waste management.
In conclusion, the Minister called on the citizens of Cyprus to actively participate in building a greener tomorrow, including through the proper implementation of separate collection of hazardous household waste.
