Newsroom
The Council of Ministers has approved €1 million in emergency funding to help communities remove illegally dumped waste, adding to ongoing government efforts to reduce environmental risks and lower the threat of wildfires.
The decision followed a joint proposal from the Ministries of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Interior, and Transport, Communications and Works.
According to a joint statement from the three ministries, the funding will support the clean-up of unauthorised waste disposal sites, protecting both public health and the environment while reducing fire hazards in high-risk areas.
Although local authorities are legally responsible for identifying and clearing illegal dumping sites, the government has chosen to provide financial assistance for a third consecutive year, recognising the importance of prompt waste removal.
A total of €1,001,550.65 was allocated for clean-up operations in 2024, followed by €1,219,586.35 in 2025 through the #WasteFreeCyprus campaign. With the latest allocation, government support for these efforts since 2024 has reached €3,221,137.
The newly approved funding will be distributed to Community Service Clusters and Community Councils to clean sites identified by the relevant authorities. Priority will be given to locations considered to face a greater risk of wildfires.
The additional €1 million comes on top of the €4.16 million already approved for community fire prevention measures in 2026, increasing resources available to protect communities, public health and Cyprus' natural environment.
