Exploratory research on the adoption of composting for the management of biowaste in the Mediterranean island of Cyprus

Abstract

Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Biowaste management is one of the biggest challenges for the European and Commonwealth small state of Cyprus, a Mediterranean island situated in the southeast corner of Europe. On the one hand, it is widely acknowledged that biowaste treatment processes such as composting should be adopted to divert biowaste from landfills, protect the environment, safeguard human health and well-being, and comply with the European environmental policies and legislation; on the other hand, national and local government efforts that promote its implementation appear to be lethargic preventing the move towards a sustainable bioeconomy. Using the political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal (PESTEL) approach, the study conceptually explores the underlying motives and multitude of reasons that may preclude the adoption of composting for biowaste management. Findings suggest that the lack of a biowaste management infrastructure investment strategy plan has derailed progress on biowaste management, despite the national government's rhetoric to promote sustainable development. Moreover, the lack of waste planning at the local level, public awareness on the consequences of biowaste mismanagement, and the lack of market demand for the compost produced are additional barriers to the adoption of composting. This emphasizes the urgent need for collaboration between the national and local governments to promote the development of a functional, sustainable biowaste management strategy. The study informs on the need of policy and decision-makers to prioritise the development of biowaste management strategy that would be broadly implemented could not only help Cyprus reduce its reliance on landfills and comply with the European legislation, but create environmental, economic and social value via the recovery of resources from biowaste and a sense of responsibility to its public. This is key to supporting the transition towards a circular bioeconomy.