The Minister of Agriculture is calling for action on hazardous waste management

Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Maria Panayiotou today stressed the great importance of the separate collection and management of hazardous waste for both the environment and the quality of life of citizens.

Speaking at an event at the Olympic Palace for the closing and presentation of the results of the project “Separate collection and management of household hazardous waste”, the Minister initially stated that events such as the current one underline the vital significance of waste management and the importance of emphasize separate waste processing. collection of hazardous household waste.

At the same time, she said, they emphasize the need to create a new philosophy and culture in public opinion regarding waste management, which, although challenging, paves the way for a better, sustainable future.

Panayiotou stated that waste is not just waste destined for landfills, but rather natural resources that, if properly recovered and recycled, can be converted into raw materials.

She emphasized that hazardous waste, such as chemicals, electronics, batteries and pharmaceuticals, on the other hand, poses serious risks and somehow returns to our ecosystem, because it has disturbed the natural balance, poisoned nature and damaged our quality of life affected. .

“So, whatever we throw on the ground, dear friends, comes back to us. Therefore, projects such as the ‘Separate collection and management of hazardous household waste’ are essential for informing and sensitizing the public, and are the first step towards achieving the goal of a transition to green development and a circular economy ,’ she said.

Panayiotou highlighted that the project built four towed mobile units, which served as mobile collectors and information units, visiting 135 local authorities, namely 91 communities and 44 municipalities. This, she said, was achieved within a period of five months starting from October last year.

She added that the number of municipal schools and secondary schools attended by each unit is significant.

Panayiotou emphasized that, with the completion of the project, this effort is intended to be continued through national or other resources.

“This will be achieved through visits from the existing four mobile units to municipalities and communities, while our aim is to continue to increase the number of mobile and fixed units for even greater results. In addition, the new collective extended producer responsibility system for household pharmaceutical waste is expected to be licensed,” she said.

On another point, Panayiotou emphasized that the contribution of local governments is essential, and that the role of municipalities and communities is significant, both in terms of informing and sensitizing the local community and in the proper implementation of the waste management legislative framework.

Finally, the Minister called on the citizens of Cyprus to actively participate in building a greener future, including through the proper implementation of the separate collection of hazardous household waste.