Campaign against plastic waste on Cyprus’ beaches launched

Two initiatives for waste collection and recycling in the tourist sector have been recently announced in Cyprus, amid tourist season. Campaign to fight plastic waste in the country was launched in Paphos, coastal town in the southwest of Cyprus, while the beginning of recycling of waste generated in Paphos  hotels was announced for early 2018.

The campaign against the plastic waste was launched on June 28 at a local beach in Paphos with aim to raise awareness of the public and businesses on environmental issues, marine litter in particular, the Cyprus Mail reported.

“Specifically, the project is aimed at owners of coastal food and beverage areas scattered on beaches of Cyprus to become responsible for the protection of the beach, and to reduce the amount of garbage, mainly plastic, abandoned by bathers,” the organizers said.

There will be also a contest in which restaurant or bar owners will be evaluated on their management of plastic waste.

The project aimed at fighting plastic waste in Cyprus is promoted by the Akti Project and Research Centre, a non-governmental, non-profit organisation based in Nicosia. It is being carried out within the Beyond Plastic Med (BeMed) programme to tackle the issue of plastic waste in the Mediterranea.

“We need to raise awareness in Cypriot society about the source and immediate consequences of discarding plastics at sea and at the same time providing innovative proposals to reduce the problem,” the organization said.

Recycling of hotel waste to start in 2018

A week earlier the beginning of recycling of waste generated in Paphos hotels was announced for early 2018.

President of the Paphos branch of the Pancyprian Hoteliers’ Association, Thanos Michaelides, said on this occasion that a new waste management plan was drafted, and that the rubbish will be sorted into three categories: organic, inorganic and recyclable.

A tender competition was announced and now, “we are at the final stage of approving the tenders”, Michaelides said to the Cyprus News Agency.

He said that waste management is considered to be an integral part of a modern tourist industry and that some hotels already recycle glass and paper.

The program will be implemented with EU funds and will be carried out in cooperation with local authorities.