Mediterranean talks shape Türkiye’s plastic strategy under Zero Waste

Türkiye is intensifying its efforts to combat plastic pollution in the Mediterranean under its Zero Waste initiative, with regional coordination meetings held in Adana and Mersin marking the start of a broader strategy. These discussions, part of a series planned across four regions, aim to align local practices with a unified national approach to managing plastic waste. The meetings, also scheduled in Muğla and Antalya, seek to integrate local experiences into a cohesive framework for tackling the issue. The initiative began in Adana, a region identified as a major contributor to pollution due to its extensive network of irrigation and drainage channels. With over 5,000 kilometers of irrigation canals and more than 4,000 kilometers of drainage channels, the area poses a significant risk of contaminating water and agricultural lands before pollutants reach the Mediterranean. Governor Mustafa Yavuz highlighted ongoing efforts to address this challenge, including increased frequency of canal cleanings, identification of pollution hotspots, installation of waste-capture systems, and the use of cameras to monitor illegal dumping activities. Adana currently operates 186 licensed waste recovery facilities, and authorities have carried out 1,785 environmental inspections through August 15. Of these, 487 were specifically targeting waste-related issues. As a result, four facilities lacking necessary permits were halted, and fines amounting to 48.6 million Turkish Liras were issued for violations. A provincial action plan addressing waste, wastewater treatment, and microplastic pollution is currently under preparation. This plan aims to assign clear responsibilities, set deadlines, and establish a monitoring system to sustain the implemented measures. In Mersin, where plastic waste flows directly into the Mediterranean, Governor Atilla Toros reported that 20 plastic recycling facilities had undergone inspection, with two receiving penalties. Additionally, samples from urban wastewater treatment plants are being analyzed to assess contamination levels. Toros emphasized the role of ocean currents in transporting pollution from neighboring countries to Türkiye's coasts, prompting coordinated environmental protections at Mersin Port involving public institutions and the port operator. Samed Ağırbaş, chairman of the Zero Waste Foundation, stressed the importance of preventing plastic from entering the sea rather than focusing solely on cleanup efforts. He called for a comprehensive strategy that includes reducing unnecessary plastic usage, preventing waste at the source, and enhancing reuse and recycling processes collectively. The regional meetings will lead to a national workshop on August 31–September 1 in Istanbul, uniting representatives from 17 ministries, over 40 general directorates, local governments, universities, industries, and civil society organizations. The discussions will span the entire lifecycle of plastics, from production and consumption to waste management and recycling, alongside topics such as microplastics, health impacts, financial mechanisms, governance structures, and international collaboration. These gatherings are anticipated to lay the groundwork for a national roadmap designed to minimize plastic leakage into waterways and the sea, bolster the circular economy, and safeguard Türkiye’s coastal and marine environments. The strategy reflects a growing commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship across the country.