Environmentalists have raised concerns about the fire risks at the only landfill for solid waste in the TRNC

The Chamber of Environmental Engineers of the TRNC is sounding the alarm: the sole landfill for solid household waste in Northern Cyprus has transformed into an uncontrolled dump. Due to improper waste management, the incidence of fires at the site may escalate.

According to the president of the Chamber of Environmental Engineers, the Güngör landfill for solid household waste, originally designed for a 30-year lifespan, reached capacity in just 11 years and has now become an unregulated dump.

"In recent months, there have been reports of waste dumped in the vicinity, smoldering. With summer approaching, the frequency of these fires is expected to rise significantly," assert the environmentalists.

It is noted that none of the legislative requirements outlined in the Environmental Protection Law's “Waste Management” section, the Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste, or the strategies and objectives detailed in the Comprehensive Waste Management Plan have been met.

"The failure to implement these measures has led to the rapid filling of the Güngör landfill for solid waste, which is nearing the end of its operational life," the statement indicates.

Recall that a significant fire broke out at the landfill site last July. Following the incident, plans were made to tender for the restoration of the landfill, which has reached capacity and requires further investment. Waste from nearly 11 municipalities was disposed of at the site.

However, the tender for the implementation of the comprehensive solid waste management project in the TRNC, which includes the restoration of the Güngör landfill, has not yet been announced.

It is also worth noting that there are currently over 50 unregulated landfills in Northern Cyprus, where fires frequently occur during the summer months.

Also read: Recycling in Northern Cyprus