Political parties have put the brakes on proposed increases to on-the-spot fines for illegal waste dumping, arguing that the state cannot impose harsher penalties without first ensuring that citizens and businesses have realistic and accessible disposal options.
The issue is expected to return to the agenda of the House Environment Committee when parliament reconvenes after the Christmas recess, following a request by parties to reassess a government bill that would significantly raise maximum fines.
Parties push back on proposed increases
The bill, submitted in October by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, was recently brought before the House plenary. However, parties requested a postponement, saying the proposed increases were excessive.
Environment Committee chair and Green Party MP Charalambos Theopemptou told Politis that lawmakers objected primarily because, in many cases, the state does not currently offer adequate legal disposal options.
“The logic is simple,” he said. “If the state does not provide disposal solutions, it cannot at the same time impose very heavy fines.”
Cabinet decisions on tougher penalties
The Council of Ministers had earlier approved a package of measures aimed at curbing persistent illegal dumping, including higher on-the-spot fines as a deterrent. Under the proposed amendments:
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The maximum fine imposed by an inspector would double from €4,000 to €8,000 per incident.
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The maximum fine imposed by a chief inspector would rise from €20,000 to €40,000 per incident.
Following objections from political parties, the bill is now set to be re-examined by the Environment Committee, with the Ministry of Agriculture expected to return with a revised proposal.
Fines alone will not solve the problem
While backing higher fines in principle, Theopemptou stressed that penalties alone will not address the root causes of illegal dumping.
He said the state must first examine what alternatives are available to those who resort to illegal disposal. If legal options exist and are ignored, then fines are justified. However, he noted that in rural areas, where most illegal dumping is recorded, residents often have no nearby facilities to dispose of waste lawfully.
“As a result,” he said, “people choose illegal dumping because there is simply nowhere else to go.”
A recurring national embarrassment
Referring to Cyprus’ assumption of the EU Council presidency in January, Theopemptou recalled what he described as some of the most embarrassing moments of his political career during Cyprus’ previous presidency in 2012.
He said visiting delegates who rented cars to explore the island’s countryside were confronted with rubbish dumped along roads, ravines, mountainous areas and the Akamas region.
“They asked questions that made me feel ashamed,” he said. “And we are still in the same situation today. We throw anything anywhere, either for personal gain or because it is easier.”
He noted that 600 large illegal dumping sites had been officially identified, funds were allocated for clean-ups, yet fewer than half of community leaders showed interest.
“Why?” he asked. “Perhaps because they know it is pointless, as the sites will be filled again. And no one ever investigated why those holding the waste choose to dump it there in the first place.”
Recent €20,000 fine highlights the issue
The issue of illegal waste disposal was discussed again at the Environment Committee on December 3, during a briefing by Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou.
Officials from the Environment Department underlined the importance of increasing maximum fines through legislative changes and informed MPs of a recent €20,000 on-the-spot fine imposed for discharging drainage water into the sea near Limassol port.
The violation was reported by environmental organisation Terra Cypria, which also released photographic evidence. Authorities noted that the same offender had been fined in the past for similar offences.
The case has reignited debate over whether tougher penalties, without parallel investment in infrastructure and enforcement, can effectively tackle Cyprus’ long-standing waste management problem.