Cyprus faces legal action over waste management and reports highest food waste in EU

In 2024, Cyprus recorded the highest volume of food waste per capita in the European Union, reaching 295 kilograms per person, significantly exceeding the EU average of 129 kilograms. According to Eurostat, waste generation is widespread across sectors: households produced 78 kg per capita, restaurants 34 kg, the food and beverage industry 73 kg, retail 62 kg, and primary production 48 kg. In comparison, EU-wide food waste production for the same year totaled 57.9 million tons, reflecting a 0.7% increase from 2023.

Simultaneously, the European Commission has referred Cyprus to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) due to systemic failures in waste management. Official data indicates that 21% of waste in Cyprus is landfilled without any prior treatment, violating the 1999/31/EC Landfill Directive. Following a warning letter in 2021 and a reasoned opinion in 2024, the Commission decided to escalate the matter, leaving Cyprus facing potential substantial financial penalties. As a response to the broader food waste challenge, local initiatives such as the 'Food for Thought' solidarity project have emerged to address sustainability concerns.