51.7 Million Tons of Waste Recovered for the Economy

GEKADER Founder Chairman Fatih Eren stated that 51.7 million tonnes of waste were returned to the economy last year. According to a statement from the Association of Recyclers and Recovery Operators (GEKADER), the recycling sector, a key stakeholder in industry and manufacturing, continues to supply raw materials to many business sectors ranging from automotive to white goods, textiles to heavy industry. As the sector maintains its growth trend, licensed recycling facilities opened in this field create a competitive environment and play an important role in improving raw material quality. These facilities also provide significant added value to the economy by recycling Turkey's waste. The recycling sector continued in 2022 to return waste generated last year in manufacturing plants, mining operations, thermal power plants, organized industrial zones and households to the country's economy. While a total of 109.2 million tonnes of waste was generated, of which 29.4 million tonnes was hazardous, 51.7 million tonnes was returned to the economy.

"48.5 million waste became raw material"

Fatih Eren reported that the amount of waste, which was 104.7 million tonnes in 2020, increased by 4.3 percent, reaching 109.2 million tonnes by the end of last year. Eren recalled that 127.4 million tonnes of waste was processed in 2020, stating that this figure rose to 133.2 million tonnes in 2022, 81.4 million tonnes of this processed waste was disposed of, and the recovery rate increased by 5.4 percent to 51.7 million tonnes. Eren explained: "Of the 51.7 million tonnes of recycled waste, 48.5 million tonnes was converted into raw material in recovery facilities for plastics, paper, metals and minerals. Thus we brought TRY 100 billion to the country's economy. The remaining portion of recycled waste was incinerated to convert it into energy and made into compost."

"Separation at home should be encouraged"

Fatih Eren emphasized the importance of separation at home, noting that while there has been an increase compared to previous years, desired levels have not yet been reached. Noting that 1.5 kilograms of waste per capita is generated daily in Turkey, Eren said: "As recycling sector representatives, we define recyclable waste such as plastics, paper and glass as 'surface mines'. The public needs to be more aware and engage in separation on this matter. We have a great opportunity ahead to implement measures that encourage recycling." Eren stated that the number of waste disposal and recovery facilities, which was 2,752 in 2020, has now risen to 3,136, with the annual amount of waste processed reaching 133.2 million tonnes.   Source