Sustainable development in low-to-middle-income countries can significantly reduce poverty by increasing jobs, boosting the economy and providing better access to services. Major developments in infrastructure and policies have greatly improved poverty rates in Turkey. The relative poverty rate has been reduced from 23.4% in 2007 to approximately 15% in 2020. One step in sustainable development that will result in environmental and economic benefits is the Zero Waste project in Turkey.
The Zero Waste Programme
The Zero Waste project was established in Turkey by the country’s first lady, Emine Erdoğan, in 2017. The project is expected to added approximately $5 billion to the Turkish economy due to a large amount of material and food saved from the reduction of waste. The goals of the Zero Waste project in Turkey are to reduce waste by recycling byproducts of agriculture activities and repurposing hazardous waste. It also works to encourage recycling among citizens by implementing separate recycling bins in cities.
In addition, the government assists farmers under the project to implement zero waste practices. As a result, this maximizes their profits and boosts the economy. Another goal of the project is to bring the recycling rate to 35% in the next two years. This will result in employment opportunities for 100,000 people in recycling and an annual income of $2.7 billion. Under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning, the project aims to expand across the entire country by 2023.
Business Responsibilities for Compliance with the Zero Waste Policies
The workplaces defined in the list attached to the Zero Waste Regulation are obliged to fulfill the principles regarding the establishment and monitoring of the zero waste management system and the issuance of zero waste certificates. In this context, it is obligatory for the following workplaces operating in Turkey to adopt a zero waste policy:
1. Banks with branches,
2. Cargo companies and branches,
3. Chain markets,
4. Accommodation facilities,
5. Fuel stations,
6. Cafeterias and restaurants over 400 m2
7. Educational institutions and dormitories
8. Industrial organizations
9. Sites with more than 300 residences
10. All Health Organizations
11. Shopping Centers
12. Business center and Commercial Plazas.
In accordance with the Environmental Law No. 2872, all the above-mentioned businesses that have branches are required to immediately initiate Zero Waste Operations.
The companies within the scope are given the necessary guidance and support by our company in this regard, and companies that request detailed information and services can apply to our consultancy services unit or to the e-mail address [email protected].
