Model Practices in Recycling

The 'Zero Waste Project' encompasses all processes including waste reduction, source separation, temporary storage, separate collection, transport and processing. Yıldırım Municipality in central Bursa demonstrates commitment to recycling by fully supporting exemplary practices through this project. In 2021, 4,233 tons of waste, 7,453 kilograms of waste oil, 1,498 kilograms of expired medication, 1,906 kilograms of used batteries, 2,548 kilograms of electronic waste and 1,775 end-of-life tires were diverted to recycling in the central Yıldırım district of Bursa. Yıldırım Municipality is nearing completion of the 'Waste Drop-off Centre' and 'Composting Facility' in the Yiğitler neighbourhood, designed to collect recyclable waste separately from other waste at the source and direct it to recycling. With support from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Yıldırım Municipality will establish a Collection and Sorting Facility in Bursa in 2022 to collect and sort packaging waste. Within the scope of the project, waste will be prevented and resources will be used more efficiently. Waste brought by citizens in 14 different categories including wood, glass, plastic, metal, textiles, paper, batteries and oil will be stored at the 'Waste Drop-off Centre' built on a 3,000 square-metre site. With support from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Yıldırım Municipality will establish a Collection and Sorting Facility in Bursa in 2022 to collect and sort packaging waste. The collected waste will be sent to licensed recycling companies for recycling. Other waste that cannot be recycled will be sent to appropriate facilities for disposal in compliance with regulations. Organic waste will be converted into natural fertilizer through a 'Composting Facility' built on a 50 square-metre site using composting machinery. This will both reduce the amount of waste going to landfills and generate fertilizer from this waste.

Mobile waste centres promote recycling

To encourage and facilitate recycling, Yıldırım Municipality is installing mobile waste drop-off centres throughout the district. With mobile waste drop-off centres placed in residential complexes, schools and designated public squares in the district, waste is sorted at source and returned to the economy. Yıldırım Municipality placed 39 mobile waste drop-off centres in the district in 2021, aiming to increase this number to 250 in 2022.

Bring 1 Litre of Waste Oil, Receive 5 Litres of Water as Gift

The 'Bring 1 Litre of Waste Oil, Receive 5 Litres of Water as Gift' campaign launched by Yıldırım Municipality's Environment Protection and Inspection Department represents a particularly well-thought-out initiative that promotes recycling. Yıldırım Municipality successfully collected 7,453 kilograms of waste oil in 2021. The campaign aims to prevent kitchen waste oil from being poured down drains and to prevent water pollution.

Waste Becomes Saplings

The 'Your Recyclable Waste Becomes Saplings' campaign was launched by the Environment Protection and Inspection Department to help heal the wounds from the forest fires that occurred in Muğla last summer. Within the scope of the campaign, which was initiated to support the disaster area and raise awareness about waste recycling, 2,000 saplings were planted.

Bring Electronic Waste, Receive LED Bulb

Yıldırım Municipality organized the 'Bring Electronic Waste, Receive LED Bulb as Gift' campaign to prevent electronic waste from polluting the environment; citizens who hand over electronic waste and batteries to teams for recycling receive energy-efficient LED bulbs. Through this campaign, the municipality collected 2,548 kilograms of electronic waste in 2021. The Environment Protection and Inspection Department teams conducted the 'Your Old Books Are Recycling' campaign, awarding stationery vouchers to 200 young people who brought notebooks and test books that had reached the end of their useful life. Yıldırım Municipality placed blue cap collection boxes at designated points throughout the district to support campaigns for people with disabilities. Each blue cap collected in this campaign will contribute to providing vehicles for citizens with disabilities.

Collecting Expired Medication

Yıldırım Municipality conducted the 'Household Expired Medication Collection Campaign' to collect expired medication without harming the environment. Citizens dispose of expired medication in collection boxes placed in pharmacies. Through the campaign, teams collected 1,498 kilograms of expired medication from 49 pharmacies in 2021 and dispose of it at regular intervals.

Waste Tyres Become Asphalt

End-of-life tyres are recovered without being discarded into nature thanks to the joint efforts of Yıldırım Municipality, the Transportation Services Department and the Environment Protection and Inspection Department. End-of-life vehicle tyres converted into rubber powder are mixed into asphalt and used. Yıldırım Municipality successfully produced 2,312 tons of modified asphalt in 2021 using 1,775 end-of-life tyres. Yıldırım Municipality conducts educational programmes to raise awareness and build understanding among citizens. In 2021, the Environment Protection and Inspection Department trained 6,264 people in 106 educational institutions, visiting schools in the district to educate students on zero waste, recycling, conservation, global warming and environmental issues. In 2021, the teams also provided environmental awareness education to 967 children in 35 kindergartens operating in the district. Additionally, zero waste inspections were conducted in 180 stores operating in the district.

A Brand City in Recycling

Municipal Mayor Oktay Yılmaz stated that they are working to make Yıldırım a brand city in zero waste, recycling and environmental awareness. "Environmental pollution is a growing problem worldwide that threatens our future. The most correct action to eliminate environmental pollution and its threat is to expand recycling. We are doing our part to ensure waste is recycled. Through effective recycling activities, we can significantly reduce air pollution and water pollution. Through our environmentally conscious practices, we prevent conditions that threaten human health, and we protect our environment for future generations. Through recycling, we both protect our environment and add value to our economy. As Yıldırım Municipality, we will continue our efforts to fully transform Yıldırım into an environmentally friendly city," he said.   Source