A LONG-awaited tyre recycling programme is yet to gain finance, but Environment Commissioner Charalambous Theopemtou remains determined to see it implemented.
“The first thing I did as commissioner was to ensure that vehicle tyres are collected separately and the second was to implement a system for them to be recycled.”
There is a huge problem in Cyprus with people throwing tyres down ravines, into fields and leaving them at waste dumps.
Thousands of tyres blight the landscape, and some people have been known to set fires to piles of them, which then give off thick plumes of toxic smoke.
Many landfill sites, such as the dump in Marathounda in Paphos, are part of a scheme financed by the Interior Ministry and now they need to transport tyres to the recycling factory or the cement factory where they can be recycled.
In addition, Theopemptou has also secured a €100,000 fund to enable collection of used tyres from outlets where tyres may be changed, such as tyre shops.
A regular collection and transportation scheme now needs to take place.
“The third thing on my list of things to do to tackle the disposal of tyres is to get the money and find a way to organise the tyres into a regular collection and recycling programme, which is continuous and ongoing.
“This would prevent us from having a crisis every now and then.”
The commissioner stressed that its usual to recycle tyres, but the problem in Cyprus is obtaining the money to be able to get such a project up and running.
“I recently had a meeting with officials from the Finance Ministry and the customs office and there are regulations in place from the EU, so there are some things we can and cannot do.
“But we think we may have found a way,” he said. “The solution could come with the help of the port authorities.”
Theopemptou and the authorities are considering levying a €0.80 surcharge on tyres, which are being imported into Cyprus.
“These fees would help generate an income, which could in turn be used for the recycling programme,” he said.
Unwanted used tyres in Cyprus have been creating problems for many years. There are about 500,000 tyres thrown around the countryside every year.
According to the Commissioner, the statistics department say around 650,000 tyres are imported into Cyprus every year.
“People dump their tyres everywhere and it’s important that we ensure tyres are disposed of, collected and recycled properly,” he pointed out.
“I have had a number of urgent meetings and have more planned for the coming weeks. I hope the situation will be resolved by the end of the year.”
It’s critical that the collection service runs properly to ensure the recycling to take place.
Many people in Paphos dump their tyres with some even setting fire to them. There have been a number of these instances in Marathounda and Emba areas in Paphos.
