Pilot Reuse Shops at Malounta and Linou Green Points. “Give what you don’t need Take what is useful to you!“. A project giving items a second chance and promoting the circular economy in Cyprus.

Last June, another successful project brought the circular economy closer to our daily lives: the pilot reuse shop system at the Malounta and Linou Green Points.

Over a period of 14 months (April 2024 – June 2025), aiming to enhance the value of reuse in everyday life, the project led to the construction and operation of two Reuse Shops at the Malounta and Linou Green Points, practically bringing the concept of a circular economy closer to residents.

The project was funded through the LEADER Local Programme of the Local Action Group “Troodos Development Company”, under the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). With a total budget of €58,000 and an additional contribution of €8,000 from the Department of Environment, the project was designed to promote reuse, reduce waste generation, and encourage local community participation in Cyprus’s green transition.

Specifically, residents of Community Clusters C, D, Z, and H, served by the Malounta and Linou Green Points, can now donate items in good and functional condition that they no longer need and receive other useful items for free, such as books, clothes, household utensils, electronic devices, toys, and more. A simple yet meaningful process fully reflected in the project’s message:“Give what you don’t need – Take what is useful to you!”.

Implemented Project Activities

Design, development, and operation of two collection and Reuse Shops at Malounta and Linou Green Points.
Creation of a material input and output tracking system.
Staff training for new responsibilities in the Reuse Shops.
Creation and distribution of an information brochure in Greek and English to residents in all four community clusters.
Creation and installation of an informational noticeboard on the exterior of both Reuse Shops.
Production of an informational video to showcase how the shops function and their objectives.
Organization of two informational events.
Development of educational material (presentation) on the waste hierarchy with a focus on reuse, and delivery of this presentation during eleven educational visits to primary schools in the four community clusters of Nicosia, including distribution of the brochure to students.
Purchase and distribution of the “Reuse Library” gift, one for each of the thirteen (13) schools in the four clusters, aiming to raise students’ awareness about the value of reuse.

Through their operation and the promotion of the values they represent, the Reuse Shops at the Malounta and Linou Green Points demonstrate that such facilities can effectively reduce uncontrolled waste disposal, increase Green Point visits, and enhance environmental awareness among citizens and students. At the same time, they foster a culture of sustainable consumption, contributing significantly to the national targets of the 2022–2028 Municipal Waste Management Plan.

Finally, within the framework of the LIFE IP Zero Waste Cyprus project, these two shops serve as model facilities for the creation of additional Reuse Shops, which will be part of the upcoming network of 36 Reuse Shops across Cyprus Green Points. These shops will also be connected to the two Repair and Reuse Centers in the Limassol and Nicosia Districts, creating a comprehensive national reuse network.

The successful implementation of this project demonstrates that reuse can become a daily practice for all citizens. Through the Reuse Shops, school educational activities, informational events, and dissemination of informative material, the project has strengthened environmental awareness in the local community and fostered a culture of sustainable consumption. At the same time, the participation of residents and students shown that even small daily actions can have a significant impact, contributing substantially to the transition towards a circular economy and achieving national reuse targets.