Türkiye Recycles 1.1 Million Tons of Plastic Waste Annually

Fatih Eren, President of the Recycling and Recovery Association (GEKADER), made comments on plastic recycling. According to the association's statistics, Turkey currently recycles 1.1 million tonnes of waste plastic annually. This recycling prevents over USD 1 billion in raw material imports each year. ISTANBUL (AA) - UĞUR ASLANHAN - According to statistics from the Recycling and Recovery Association, sensitivity to recycling issues has increased as the Paris Climate Agreement returns to the agenda. With the Zero Waste Project launched in Turkey, the recovery rate rose from 13 percent to 22.4 percent. This figure is expected to increase further with the Paris Climate Agreement. The largest increase is expected to occur in plastic recycling. In comments on the matter, GEKADER President Fatih Eren stated that recycled plastic is used in nearly every sector, from automotive to white goods, from packaging to agriculture, from electrical and electronics to textiles and construction, and that while people may not notice it in their daily lives, it has become part of life. At the same time, Eren noted that major companies have begun telling their suppliers to use recycled raw materials. Revenue Reaches USD 1 Billion Eren expressed that there is incredible demand for recycled plastic and that there is no limit to the number of times plastic can be recycled. "You can add 10 percent, 15 percent original raw material and recycle and use it as many times as you want. You can recycle it repeatedly. There is no limit. Therefore, recycling will be one of the best sectors of the future," he said. In this context, Turkey currently recycles 1.1 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. In the sector, which has revenue of USD 1 billion and employs 350,000 people, 1,300 enterprises operate. The sector prevents over USD 1 billion in imports annually through its recycling activities. Employment Opportunities Provided to Over 1 Million People GEKADER President Eren emphasized that the recycling mindset in Turkey is not at the desired level and that if the desired progress is achieved, the sector's contribution to the economy would be "incredible." Eren stated: "The plastic recycling sector offers potential to reduce the plastic raw material current account deficit by 36 percent by 2030. In 2050, the global market size of the plastic recycling sector is expected to be USD 900 billion at current prices. If Turkey maintains its current growth, it will have a sector worth USD 3.2 billion in 2025 and USD 63 billion in 2050. Our employment-friendly sector, including street collectors and factories, currently provides employment opportunities to over 1 million people."