Goal: Waste Management and Resource Efficiency

Launched on September 27, 2017, the movement progresses with the goals of preventing waste generation, collecting waste separately at its source, increasing recycling rates, and using resources more efficiently. To date, 193,000 buildings have transitioned to the Zero Waste Management System.

9,000 Tons of Waste Processed Daily

As part of the Zero Waste project, with the support of the General Directorate of İller Bankası, 46 storage, sorting, and transfer facilities have been established across Turkey over seven years. These facilities process 9,000 tons of waste daily, converting it into reusable materials or energy. Additionally, approximately 22 million people have been educated under the project. The recycling rate, which was 13% in 2017, reached 34.92% by 2023, with a target of 60% by 2035.

Contributions to the Economy and Environment

To date, 59.9 million tons of waste have been recycled under the project, contributing 185 billion TL to the economy. Recycling has saved 498 million trees from being cut down, 819 million cubic meters of water, and 127 million barrels of oil. Additionally, 5.9 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions were prevented, and savings of 2.6 billion kilowatt-hours of energy and 104 million cubic meters of landfill space were achieved.

Pilot Applications and Citizen Participation

In the Kızılcahamam district of Ankara, a pilot project has been successfully implemented since 2019, where citizens earn points redeemable for grocery shopping by separating their waste. Initiatives such as a zero-waste garden, recycling workshop, zero-waste playground, package-free product store, and zero-waste cafeteria have been established in the district. The Ministry announced that pilot district applications would be expanded this year.

International Awards and Global Achievements

The Zero Waste Movement has received numerous international awards to date. Examples include the FAO's "Zero Waste, Zero Hunger" award, UNDP's Sustainable Development Goals Award, and the World Bank's "Climate and Development Leadership Award."

Zero Waste at the UN General Assembly

On December 14, 2022, "International Zero Waste Day" was declared at the UN General Assembly under Turkey's leadership. Emine Erdoğan was invited by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to participate in special sessions on zero waste and chaired the UN High-Level Advisory Board on Zero Waste.

Global Goodwill Declaration

President Erdoğan became the first leader to sign the "Global Zero Waste Goodwill Declaration." The platform, where the declaration was opened for signing, has brought together over 10,000 zero waste volunteers from 73 countries.

A Movement that Became State Policy

With the enactment of the Zero Waste Regulation in 2019, the project became state policy, being included in the 11th Development Plan and the Green Deal Action Plan. The project has found its place in national strategies and action plans in line with circular economy goals.

Conclusion

The Zero Waste Movement continues to raise awareness in Turkey and worldwide while delivering a strong message for a sustainable future with the slogan "7 Years on 7 Continents."