Kourion municipality delays implementation of 'Pay As You Throw' waste system

Kourion Mayor Pantelis Georgiou stated on September 6, 2026, that the 'Pay As You Throw' waste management program cannot be fully implemented before late 2028 or early 2029. The project currently faces a funding shortfall of approximately €55 million, as the estimated total cost is €80 million while only €25 million is available. Mayor Georgiou and Marios Michail, head of the municipal Committee on Environment, Cleaning, and Energy, both emphasized that the central government must provide additional financial support to prevent the burden from falling on local taxpayers.

Technical delays also hinder progress, particularly regarding the procurement of specialized garbage trucks. The tender process requires six to seven months, followed by at least 18 months for manufacturing and delivery. Municipal officials argue that previous planning failures have created a disproportionate financial strain, making state funding essential for necessary infrastructure and equipment. Without such support, the municipality maintains that an effective and sustainable transition to the new system is not feasible within the initially anticipated timeframe.