Principles and Procedures for Zero Waste Practices Published

Zero Waste Implementation Rules and Procedures Published Clarifying regulations have been issued for the Zero Waste Regulation published in 2019. The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has published "Procedures and Principles Regarding the Establishment and Operation of Waste Drop-off Centers and Zero Waste Implementations," which brings comprehensive and clarifying regulations concerning "reduction of plastic use, prevention of food and textile waste, separate collection at source, and technical specifications of waste drop-off centers where citizens can leave their waste" as provided for in the Zero Waste Regulation published in 2019. Recyclable waste to be separated at source Within the scope of the regulations implemented to prevent environmental pollution and waste problems, the aims include reducing the use of single-use cups, plates, forks, spoons, knives and similar products, as well as straws and wet wipes; preventing excessive packaging in cargo and distance sales; reducing plastic use; and preventing and separately collecting food and textile waste at source. The regulation establishes the requirement to place separate collection equipment for "biodegradable waste" to ensure source separation of food waste generated in wholesale markets and bazaars, and mandates separate equipment for recyclable waste in residential compounds, apartment buildings and detached villas. Technical specifications and procedures for "Waste Drop-off Centers" to be established for citizens to leave their waste have also been determined. Waste collection equipment to be color-coded by type Under the implementation, waste collection equipment will be color-coded as follows: blue for "recyclable waste," dark grey for "other waste," brown for "biodegradable waste," green for "glass waste," yellow for "plastic waste," grey for "metal waste," blue for "paper waste," turquoise for "composite waste," dark blue for "waste cooking oil," white for "waste medicines," pink for "textile waste," and purple for "waste electrical and electronic equipment." Alternatively, existing collection equipment may be labeled, fitted or color-coded to match the appropriate waste type. Incentive programs to be organized under zero waste framework Additionally, provisions have been made for local administrations to conduct time-limited campaigns and organize incentive programs to encourage citizens to separately collect their waste in order to raise awareness and increase implementation of zero waste principles, as well as for the establishment of "Zero Waste Student Clubs" in educational institutions in cooperation with the Ministry of National Education. TRY 30 billion contribution to the economy Through the Zero Waste Project to date, 24.2 million tons of waste have been recovered, providing TRY 30 billion in added value to the economy. Under the project scope, waste recovery has saved 265 million trees, prevented 3 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, achieved 437 million cubic meters of water and 356 million kilowatt-hour energy savings, contributing to efforts against climate change. Source