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.

The project “Pilot System of Reuse Shops at the Green Points of Malounta and Linou” was successfully completed in June 2025, after 14 months of implementation (April 2024 – June 2025), bringing the concept of circular economy closer to our daily lives and highlighting, in practice, the value of reuse.

The project was funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) under the program “Europe Investing in Rural Areas”, with a total budget of €35,055, while the Department of Environment contributed an additional €12,061 from its own resources.

Through the operation of the two Reuse Shops at the Green Points of Malounta and Linou, residents of the Community Clusters G, D, Z and H can now donate items in good and functional condition that they no longer need, and receive for free other useful goods such as books, clothing, household items, electrical and electronic devices, toys, and many more. It is a simple yet meaningful process, perfectly captured by the project’s motto:
“Give what you don’t need – Take what you can use!”

Implemented Project Activities

Design, development, and operation of two collection and redistribution points at the Malounta and Linou Green Points.
Creation of a tracking system for material inflows and outflows.
Training of staff for their new responsibilities at the Reuse Shops.
Production and distribution of an informative brochure in Greek and English to all communities in the four clusters.
Design and installation of an informational noticeboard outside the two Reuse Shops.
Production of a promotional video to enhance the visibility and dissemination of the Project.
Organization of two informational events to engage and inform local residents.
Development of educational material (presentation) on the importance of reuse and implementation of eleven (11) educational visits to primary schools within the four clusters, during which the brochure was distributed 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.