Two Repair and Reuse Centres are to be built in Nicosia and Limassol under the European LIFE IP CYzero WASTE project, with a combined budget of €6.76 million including VAT, the Department of Environment said.
The Nicosia centre will be located in Idalion, after the Council of Ministers approved the transfer of plot number 1001, measuring 3,400 square metres, in the Municipal District of Idalion, Municipality of South Nicosia-Idalion, at its session on March 5, 2026. The Limassol centre will be built on a plot owned by Limassol Municipality, numbered plot 6 (F/Sch. 58/080202), in the parish of Agios Spyridonas within a Category B industrial zone.
A techno-economic study has been prepared for both centres. For the Nicosia centre, a topographic survey of the plot is still pending, while tender documents for the design and construction of both centres are being prepared for imminent launch.
Coverage and capacity
The Nicosia centre will serve as the main hub for the eastern and north-eastern parts of the free areas, covering Nicosia, Larnaca and Famagusta districts. The Limassol centre will cover the southern and western parts of the island, serving Limassol and Paphos districts.
According to the techno-economic studies, the combined initial capacity of the two centres is estimated at 3,500 tonnes of materials per year, with a projected increase to 4,500 tonnes within three years of opening.
What the centres will do
The centres will collect, assess, repair and redistribute second-hand household items including furniture, electrical and electronic appliances, kitchen equipment, bicycles, clothing, toys and books. After the necessary repairs, items will be resold at affordable prices.
Network of reuse shops
Alongside the two main centres, a supporting network of reuse shops is being developed at Green Points across the island. Two pilot shops are already operating at the Green Points in Malounta and Linou. The target is to expand the network to 36 shops by 2028, covering all Green Points in the country.
Items brought to the shops that require minor repairs will be transferred to the main centres, repaired and then redistributed at affordable prices. Once the two centres are fully operational, a nominal fee will be introduced for the collection of items.
A tender for the construction of 21 reuse shops was previously cancelled but is expected to be relaunched shortly.
Funding and planning
The project’s estimated budget of €6.76 million may be co-financed through the THALIA 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy Operational Programme. The two centres are included in both the National Municipal Waste Management Plan 2022-2028 and the Waste Prevention Programme 2026-2032 currently being drawn up.
EU targets
Under European frameworks, landfill disposal of municipal waste must be reduced to below 10% by 2035.
Education
An Environmental Education and Awareness Hub will be housed within the two centres, offering educational workshops. Information campaigns and seminars are also planned under the LIFE IP CYzero WASTE project.
Further information is available at www.cyzerowaste.com.
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